Negeri Sembilan Dispute Tests Media Credibility
By Nursyabiha Sukri
SEREMBAN, June 13 (Bernama) -- Amid the ongoing governance dispute in Negeri Sembilan that continues to draw public attention, mainstream media practitioners face one of their toughest challenges yet in providing timely, accurate and balanced information amid a flood of speculation and unverified claims circulating on social media.
The dispute, involving the state's Undang institution and government administration, has not only tested Negeri Sembilan's political stability but has also the professionalism of the media in balancing the demand for immediate reporting with the need to uphold journalistic ethics.
Although the 36-seat Negeri Sembilan State Legislative Assembly was dissolved on June 5 to pave the way for the 16th state election, media experts believe the issue shows little sign of resolution, requiring heightened vigilance among journalists, particularly when reporting on sensitive issues involving customary practices and state institutions.
Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Faculty of Communication and Media Studies senior lecturer Dr Ima Liana Esa said the situation, which has persisted for nearly two months since April, is among the most complex reporting challenges faced by the media as it extends beyond politics to encompass customs, culture and institutions that form the core of Negeri Sembilan's identity.
"The situation unfolding in Negeri Sembilan is unprecedented. At the same time, the public wants immediate updates, creating immense pressure on the media to report developments quickly while contending with a proliferation of false information.
"If we look at previous state and general elections, the spread of misinformation typically intensifies once the election process begins. That inevitably places significant pressure on the media," she told Bernama.
She said reporting on the upcoming state election is particularly challenging because the issues involved are no longer confined to political rivalry alone.
Rather, developments have also touched on customary institutions and the state's constitutional structure, requiring journalists to balance the need for timely reporting with public sensitivities and ethical responsibilities.
Drawing on her 16 years of experience in mainstream broadcast media, Ima Liana stressed that journalists must understand the local cultural, historical and customary context before publishing reports to avoid misunderstandings that could spark public controversy.
"Customary issues are not merely news material. They are closely linked to a community's identity, dignity and social harmony. That is why reporting on such matters must be carried out with sensitivity and responsibility," she said.
In the digital era, marked by the rise of citizen journalists, she said mainstream media continues to play a crucial role in verifying information and serving as a trusted source of news.
She added that reports involving customs and royal institutions must undergo rigorous verification, including consultation with customary institutions, cultural experts and relevant authorities.
"The concept of breaking news is important in today's media ecosystem. However, speed without thorough verification can have serious consequences, including the spread of misinformation, public confusion and social tension," she said.
Meanwhile, UiTM senior political science lecturer Mujibu Abd Muis said the media's primary challenge today is finding the right balance between speed and accuracy in an increasingly open communications landscape.
He said that in the context of Negeri Sembilan, with its unique Adat Perpatih system and customary institutions, inaccurate reporting could lead to misunderstandings and social tension.
"Mainstream media remains bound by fact-checking processes, editorial guidelines and cultural sensitivities. At the same time, information on social media moves at a much faster pace without clear verification mechanisms," he said.
As a result, he said, the public can become vulnerable to speculation when official explanations take time to emerge, creating space for alternative narratives to spread across platforms such as TikTok, Facebook and WhatsApp.
Mujibu said mainstream media should move beyond an overreliance on the traditional breaking news model and adopt a more responsive approach through rapid verification journalism.
"For example, media organisations can promptly inform the public that certain information is still being verified or has yet to be confirmed. This is important in reducing confusion while further verification is carried out.
"The true strength of mainstream media lies not only in the speed of reporting but also in the credibility and public trust it has built consistently over time," he said.
Both experts agreed that reporting on customs, culture and royal institutions should receive greater emphasis in programmes organised in conjunction with National Journalists' Day (HAWANA), to better equip media practitioners to handle sensitive issues professionally, prudently and responsibly.
The highlight of HAWANA 2026, themed Media Integrity Strengthens Credibility, will be held on June 20 at the PICCA Convention Centre @ Arena Butterworth, Penang and will be officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
-- BERNAMA
