KUALA LUMPUR: Media agencies in the country need to play their roles to fight the spread of fake news and hate speech to ensure harmony in the country is preserved, says Teo Nie Ching.
The Deputy Communications and Digital Minister said based on the current developments especially the increasing usage of social media, the matter should be given attention by the media by delivering only verified and accurate information.
"The era of fake news is fast becoming a threat to democracy not only in Malaysia but also in other countries, so the roles played by the media agencies now should be to curb hate speeches as well as misinformation and disinformation.
"...at the same time, we are not limiting the freedom of speech. I think we should achieve a balance while ensuring community harmony is protected,” she said.
She was speaking after a briefing and working visit to the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) here Thursday (Dec 22).
Also present were Communications and Digital Ministry (KKD) deputy secretary-general (Strategic Communications and Creative Industry) Mastura Ahmad Mustafa as well as Bernama's top management represented by its chairman Senator Datuk Ras Adiba Radzi and chief executive officer Roslan Ariffin.
Also present were Deputy Editor-in-Chief International News Services and covering Editor-In-Chief, Jamaluddin Muhammad as well as Executive Editor and covering Deputy Editor-in-Chief News Services, Harlina Samson.
Commenting on her visit to Bernama, Teo hoped the national news agency would be a source of choice for readers abroad for them to keep abreast with the latest developments in the country.
"I have also been given a briefing to assist me to understand the functions and challenges faced by Bernama.
"I hope under the leadership of Minister Fahmi Fadzil and I together with all ministry and Bernama staff, we can assist Bernama in providing a comprehensive service apart from ensuring information is delivered to all Malaysians,” she said. - Bernama
