Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil
MOOTED almost 25 years ago, the setting up of the long-awaited Malaysian Media Council is just one step away from becoming reality, says Fahmi Fadzil.
The Communications Minister said the proposed Bill would be tabled at this Dewan Rakyat meeting upon receiving the green light from the Cabinet.
“The draft on the council was jointly agreed upon and has been submitted to the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) for a final check.
“The Bill is expected to be tabled during the current Parliament meeting, subject to the Cabinet’s approval,” he said in a written reply to Ahmad Fadhli Shaari (PN-Pasir Mas).
Fahmi said it is crucial that the self-regulatory organisation for the media and its practitioners is established.
“This will uphold the standard of journalism and increase the level of professionalism while providing room for public complaints against the media.”
The media council was first mooted in 2001 but was deferred several times over the years. It is aimed at developing and implementing a code of ethics for reporting that can enhance the journalism profession and to ensure responsible news reporting by the media.
It will also function to encourage communications between media practitioners, the government, and the public, besides supporting the professional development of journalists and media organisations.
In March this year, the council’s pro-tem committee representatives met with the Home Ministry to discuss the establishment of the council.
In May, the AGC requested the Bill be referred to the Malaysian Productivity Corporation (MPC) for a Regulatory Impact Analysis.
As of July, a total of 15 media companies, seven media associates, nine media practitioners and seven non-media members had applied to be founding members of the council.
