The Malaysian Media Council Bill, which is expected to be tabled this year, remains controversial over several stakeholders’ and experts’ concerns about possible government control.
KUALA LUMPUR: Media practitioners in Malaysia should exercise freedom of expression responsibly, without jeopardising harmony or causing chaos, says Malaysian Press Institute (MPI) president Datuk Yong Soo Heong.
Media organisations, unions, and press freedom groups have raised concerns at a revised Code of Ethics for Journalists, launched by Malaysian Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil on February 20, which could be used to extend government control over the functioning of the media and restrict press freedom. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) joins its affiliate, the National Union of Journalists Peninsular Malaysia (NUJM), in urging the Malaysian government to allow a free and independent media with a code of ethics developed and administered by the media industry.
PUTRAJAYA: The Malaysian Media Council Bill will be tabled in Parliament in June following Cabinet approval today, communications minister Fahmi Fadzil said.