KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 26 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Media Council (MMC) Bill 2024 passed in the Dewan Rakyat today is expected to enhance confidence in media transparency, strengthen the information ecosystem and safeguard press freedom.
In a joint statement issued by several media organisations and movements, including the Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ), the bill is seen as crucial, given the current global landscape rife with unregulated information.
“At a time when the media environment is often tainted by misinformation, hate speech, unethical reporting driven by racism, fanaticism, misogyny or xenophobia, as well as the misuse of artificial intelligence (AI) and algorithms for economic gain, the establishment of MMC comes at the right moment,” the statement read.
Meanwhile, the Gabungan Kelab Media Malaysia (GKMM) coalition has urged the government to prioritise full engagement and participation from media professionals within the council, particularly in decision-making processes that will shape the industry’s future.
The establishment of MMC will create a platform for media practitioners, the industry and the government to collaborate, discuss challenges and develop strategic solutions, all while charting the course for Malaysia’s journalism landscape, the statement added.
The Malaysian media industry made history today with the passing of the MMC Bill 2024 in the Dewan Rakyat, a move aimed at ensuring press freedom while providing the public with accurate, credible and fair information.
GKMM also expressed hope that the council would address longstanding welfare concerns affecting media practitioners by taking proactive and decisive action.
“We hope that the MMC will prioritise the welfare of media workers while holding media companies accountable for unfair labour practices.
“In other words, the MMC must enforce ethical employment standards, protect journalists' rights and ensure that Malaysia's media industry remains sustainable, fair and responsible,” the statement added.
Gerakan Media Merdeka (GERAMM) on the other hand, acknowledged concerns regarding certain aspects of MMC’s structure and functions, but viewed the council's establishment as a crucial first step toward a more effective self-regulatory system for Malaysia’s media industry.
-- BERNAMA
NUA SSA MRZN
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