Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil (centre) and Pasir Gudang MP Hassan Abdul Karim (second from left) receiving a memorandum on Dec 4 from a group of media practitioners and association respresentatives – NUJM chairman Low Boon Tat (left), CIJ executive director Wathshlah Naidu and GERAMM spokesman Radzi Razak –who voiced concerns over a potential tightening of restrictions on media freedom. — Bernama
RECOGNISING it as the first crucial step toward creating a healthy and sustainable working environment for journalists, the tabling of the Malaysian Media Council (MMC) Bill for its first reading at the Dewan Rakyat on Thursday has given hope for journalists around the country.
In expressing optimism in lieu of current challenges facing players in the media industry, National Union of Journalists Malaysia (NUJM) General Secretary Teh Athira Yusof says the safety and welfare of journalists should remain a priority in strengthening the role and integrity of journalism in Malaysia.
“Our main concern is the welfare of journalists in the country. With the establishment of the MMC, we can create a more professional environment for hardworking media practitioners.
“NUJM believes the council offers an opportunity to foster a structured and professional environment, addressing critical issues such as fair working conditions, safety, and adequate resources to empower journalists to fulfill their duties responsibly.
“We also hope the formation of the MMC will prevent irresponsible employers from failing to pay journalists’ salaries and hold them accountable,” says Teh Athira.
A key aspect of the MMC’s mandate is its ability to conduct training programmes to enhance ethical standards, professionalism, and skills within the industry. Teh Athira says these initiatives aim to ensure journalists are equipped to navigate the evolving challenges of the media landscape while upholding the highest standards of accountability and integrity.
“Such training will help produce more journalists to maintain press freedom and our role as the fourth estate.”
During the tabling of the bill, Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching said the council will have to set standards and establish a code of conduct with ethical and responsible standards of journalism for media practitioners.
It will also have to promote the highest standards of ethical and responsible journalism; media independence and the rights of media practitioners – in addition to regulating ethics and professional conduct among the fraternity.
At the same time, the council can also suggest law reforms; facilitate and conduct training; form and maintain a database with information of media practitioners; determine grievances mechanism and disciplinary proceedings against a council member, among others.
As of now, until the MMC is realised, Teh Athira says the NUJM remains deeply concerned about the threats and challenges journalists face in their line of work.
“Unchecked threats and harassment can severely impact journalists’ mental health, leading to stress, anxiety, and burnout. Professionally, these challenges often result in self-censorship or avoidance of sensitive topics, compromising the quality and scope of reporting.”
Teh Athira highlights that while the Federal Constitution provides freedom of expression under Article 10, restrictive laws such as the Sedition Act, Printing Presses and Publications Act (PPPA), and the Communications and Multimedia Act (CMA) often inhibit journalists’ ability to report freely.
“Media organisations are generally expected to provide basic safety training, protective equipment, and insurance for journalists covering high-risk assignments like protests, natural disasters, or conflict zones,” she notes.
However, freelancers and journalists from smaller outlets often lack access to these safeguards. Harassment, cyberbullying and threats against journalists remain under-reported, with inadequate responses.
Teh Athira cites recent incidents, including sexual harassment during a by-election and threats against a Tamil-language newspaper reporter linked to sensitive reporting.
“These threats serve as intimidation, discouraging journalists from pursuing critical or investigative stories,” she says.
One journalist, who reported on alleged corruption involving a high-ranking politician, recalled being questioned by police and later transferred to another desk, a move perceived as punitive.
Last month, NUJM, alongside the Centre for Independent Journalism and GERAMM (Gerakan Media Merdeka), issued a joint statement on the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists (IDEI), highlighting Malaysia’s decline in the 2024 World Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders.
Malaysia fell to 107th place, a significant drop from 73rd the previous year.
“Newsmen continue to experience intimidation and harassment, through the use of these laws and to be investigated merely for reporting.
“Just this year we have a number of journalists being called for investigation for reporting on matters of public interest and being asked to reveal sources,” says CIJ executive director Watshslah Naidu.
The statement emphasises solidarity with journalists worldwide and urges collective action to preserve media freedom by protecting journalists as agents of democracy.
The statement also underscored a growing concern in Malaysia’s media landscape: “economic violence” through low wages, unsafe working conditions, and job insecurity.
“Restructuring and layoffs in major online portals have further strained the economic sustainability of journalists.”
Teh Athira is hopeful that the MMC can provide the necessary structured framework to establish robust safeguards for the media.
“This includes addressing grievances of the media and threats against journalists; reforming laws to protect press freedom and preventing misuse of legislation,” she says.
