Digital and Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil announced the long-awaited approval of a bill by the Malaysian cabinet to establish a self-regulating Malaysian Media Council (MMC) on February 21. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), and its affiliate, the National Union of Journalists Peninsular Malaysia (NUJM), welcome the decision, but urge authorities to ensure that the council is implemented with a mandate, resources, and due independence.