Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil (centre) at the Kinabalu Press Awards on Saturday (Oct 28). - Photo: Bernama
KOTA KINABALU: Further engagement will be conducted with the media before bringing the Bill on the proposed Malaysian Media Council to Parliament, expected to be tabled in March next year, says Fahmi Fadzil.
The Communications and Digital Minister said an approach that includes the media fraternity in discussing the council is needed before tabling it.
"Why are Bills only discussed when they have already started being tabled?
"So when it comes to the media council, I asked for discussions with media friends first," said Fahmi Fadzil when attending the Kinabalu Press Awards 2023 held here on Saturday (Oct 28).
Earlier, Sabah Journalists Association (SJA) president Datuk Muguntan Vanar said SJA fully supported the unity government's efforts in putting in place the media council.
"We hope through the creation of a truly independent media council, it will strengthen Malaysian media through self-regulation and reporting accurately and responsibly, ethically and fairly," said Muguntan.
"We believe a strong working relationship between media and government is vital.
"This is because the government relies on the mass media to communicate with the people, and we need access to information - to ensure rakyat receives the correct information," he said.
He added that with accurate information, the public could weed out the fake news among other spins on social media.
"This definitely will help the government convince the people of its direction regarding policies and development," said Muguntan.
