Identify laws that affect press freedom, PM urges media council
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim urged the Malaysian Media Council (MMC) to, among others, identify specific laws or provisions that may affect press freedom to strengthen media freedom.
While acknowledging MMC’s role in advising the government on efforts to strengthen media freedom, he also urged the council to outline clear parameters regarding media freedom and recommend appropriate limits, particularly within the context of Malaysia being a multi-religious society.
“You must...
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim urged the Malaysian Media Council (MMC) to, among others, identify specific laws or provisions that may affect press freedom to strengthen media freedom.
While acknowledging MMC’s role in advising the government on efforts to strengthen media freedom, he also urged the council to outline clear parameters regarding media freedom and recommend appropriate limits, particularly within the context of Malaysia being a multi-religious society.
“You must enhance the level of freedom - media freedom - in this country. What are the limitations? Still, the race and religious card.
“Which means the media council has this task of advising them on the specific legislation, or parts of the legislation or provisions, that inhibit freedom. You can advise.
“We’ll certainly convey this to the cabinet and to Fahmi Fadzil (communication minister) to take up the recommendations seriously,” Bernama reported him as saying during a briefing with editors-in-chief of local and international media yesterday.
Also present were Bernama chief executive officer Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin and editor-in-chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj.
A total of 92 local and international media personnel also attended the event.
Sense of responsibility
According to the Tambun MP, the code of conduct should not be perceived as overly restrictive to the broader principle of media freedom.
“Because the whole idea of media freedom, as I understand it from the beginning, is to ensure that there is a sense of responsibility, that the media manages itself, and understands the limits.
“But I agree, it should not be perceived as, or more so, affect this whole vision of freedom - media freedom position or policy that we strongly advocate,” Anwar said.
At the same time, Anwar stressed the importance of responsible media practices, noting that intense competition among media organisations could at times lead to the exploitation of racial or religious sentiments.
He said there was also a need for highly responsible media, noting that intense competition could push some outlets to play up racial sentiments, causing people to lose sight of the fact that Malaysia is a multiracial and multireligious country.
Significant milestone
The Malaysian Media Council Bill 2024 was passed by the Dewan Rakyat on Feb 26 and approved by the Dewan Negara on March 19, before being gazetted on June 13 as the Malaysian Media Council Act 2025.
The legislation marked a significant milestone for the industry, following proposals dating back to 1973, aimed at safeguarding media freedom and ensuring the public receives accurate, credible, and fair information.
On Nov 7, a total of 12 individuals were elected to the MMC board during its inaugural annual general meeting, representing three categories: media companies, journalists and media associations, and public and NGOs.
