Media Council Independent, To Address Industry Issues Without Govt Interference – Fahmi

PUTRAJAYA, July 15 (Bernama) -- The establishment of the Malaysian Media Council (MMC) will allow issues related to the media industry to be addressed more inclusively, sustainably and independently, free from government interference, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said. 

Fahmi said MMC will operate independently from the Communications Ministry and will be given full space to carry out its responsibilities under its designated functions.

“I hope that with the establishment of the MMC, the challenges faced by our colleagues in the media industry can be managed in a more inclusive, sustainable and independent manner.

“More importantly, it will enable various stakeholders to play their part in ensuring that the media remains not only independent and self-reliant, but also ethical and responsible,” he told a press conference after attending the handing over of appointment letters ceremony of the MMC founding board members here today. 

Also present were Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching, Communications Ministry secretary-general Datuk Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa and Bernama Chief Executive Officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin.

At the ceremony, Fahmi presented letters of appointment to six of the 12 founding board members of the MMC, who were selected based on their expertise, experience and contributions in journalism, media, academia and communications.

The appointments follow the enactment of the Malaysian Media Council Act 2025 (Act 868), which came into force on June 14 and aims to safeguard media freedom and ensure the public receives accurate, credible and fair information.

Previously, Fahmi announced that the MMC Founding Board comprises 12 individuals representing four categories: media companies; media associations, media practitioners, and independent journalists; and non-media professionals.

He said the government is ready to assist the MMC in legal and financial aspects to ensure its smooth establishment, particularly during its early operations.

“I believe that in the future, it is not impossible for MMC to be fully self-sustaining. That would not be an issue. It will be up to the Founding Board to decide on its operational model. If needed, the government will always be ready to support,” he said.

On funding, Fahmi said the Communications Ministry is prepared to discuss with the MMC Founding Board to identify the council’s financial needs.

“We will have discussions. The ministry does have some (funds) available, but we also want to understand what the board requires. So, we’ll hold a discussion first,” he said.

On July 2, Fahmi said the ministry was aligning efforts to ensure funding could be secured for the MMC in the near term and a meeting would be held with all 12 founding members to discuss related matters.

Fahmi also announced that the first MMC Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held on Nov 7, with the location to be announced later.

“It is at this AGM that the new members or MMC Board will be officially elected to lead the council moving forward,” he said.

-- BERNAMA