Array
(
    [_edit_lock] => Array
        (
            [0] => 1708435150:30
        )

    [tdc_dirty_content] => Array
        (
            [0] => 1
        )

    [tdc_icon_fonts] => Array
        (
            [0] => a:0:{}
        )

    [post_views_count] => Array
        (
            [0] => 433
        )

    [_thumbnail_id] => Array
        (
            [0] => 169694
        )

    [_edit_last] => Array
        (
            [0] => 30
        )

    [_post_language] => Array
        (
            [0] => 
        )

    [_molongui_author] => Array
        (
            [0] => guest-99954
        )

    [_molongui_main_author] => Array
        (
            [0] => guest-99954
        )

    [td_post_theme_settings] => Array
        (
            [0] => a:1:{s:11:"td_subtitle";s:121:"Minister says it aims to enhance journalistic standards, addresses current journalistic needs, technological advancements";}
        )

    [_yoast_wpseo_primary_category] => Array
        (
            [0] => 599
        )

    [_yoast_wpseo_metadesc] => Array
        (
            [0] => The Malaysian Code of Ethics for Journalists, which was launched today, will not impede or stifle media freedom of expression. 
        )

    [_yoast_wpseo_content_score] => Array
        (
            [0] => 30
        )

    [_yoast_wpseo_estimated-reading-time-minutes] => Array
        (
            [0] => 3
        )

    [_yoast_wpseo_wordproof_timestamp] => Array
        (
            [0] => 
        )

    [post_views_count_7_day_arr] => Array
        (
            [0] => a:7:{i:0;a:2:{s:4:"date";i:0;s:5:"count";i:0;}i:1;a:3:{s:4:"date";s:10:"1752002619";s:5:"count";i:1;s:14:"per_hour_count";a:1:{i:19;i:1;}}i:2;a:3:{s:4:"date";s:10:"1752085211";s:5:"count";i:1;s:14:"per_hour_count";a:1:{i:18;i:1;}}i:3;a:2:{s:4:"date";i:0;s:5:"count";i:0;}i:4;a:3:{s:4:"date";s:10:"1752230430";s:5:"count";i:1;s:14:"per_hour_count";a:1:{i:10;i:1;}}i:5;a:2:{s:4:"date";i:0;s:5:"count";i:0;}i:6;a:2:{s:4:"date";i:0;s:5:"count";i:0;}}
        )

    [post_view_7days_last_day] => Array
        (
            [0] => 4
        )

    [post_views_count_7_day_last_date] => Array
        (
            [0] => 1752230430
        )

    [post_views_count_7_day_total] => Array
        (
            [0] => 3
        )

    [post_views_last_24_hours] => Array
        (
            [0] => 1
        )

    [post_views_last_48_hours] => Array
        (
            [0] => 2
        )

)
New code of ethics for journalists safeguards media freedom, says Fahmi | Scoop
During today's launch of the Malaysian Code of Ethics for Journalists, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said that it outlines eight fundamentals that highlight journalists' responsibilities and standards. – Abdul Razak Latif/Scoop pic, February 20, 2024
News

New code of ethics for journalists safeguards media freedom, says Fahmi

Minister says it aims to enhance journalistic standards, addresses current journalistic needs, technological advancements

Main Author Image
Irwan Shafrizan Ismail
Updated
12:23 PM MYT

 

KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian Code of Ethics for Journalists, which was launched today, will not impede or stifle media freedom of expression. 

Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said that it addresses current journalistic needs and technological advancements.

“The code of ethics has been in place since 1989, and we have continuously enhanced it to address various factors, including technological advancements.

“This code of ethics staunchly defends the principle of freedom of expression, as stated in the Federal Constitution.

“However, there is a pressing need for heightened awareness and enhanced skills among journalists to navigate contemporary challenges, encompassing the evolving landscape of social media and artificial intelligence,” he said during a press conference following the code’s launch today.

Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil (centre), flanked by (from left) Prime Minister’s Office media and strategic communications director Rozaid Abdul Rahman, Communications Ministry secretary-general Datuk Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa, Information Department director Datuk Mohd Sukari Abdul Hamid and MPI CEO Datuk Mustapa Omar, showing the new Malaysian Code of Ethics for Journalists which was launched today. – Abdul Razak Latif/Scoop pic, February 20, 2024

Earlier, Fahmi launched a code of ethics outlining eight fundamentals that underscore the responsibilities and standards expected of journalists.

These include being the voice of a plural society, being transparent and with integrity, being fair in conveying information, the validity and accuracy of information, independence from personal interests, and protecting the privacy and confidentiality of resources.

Journalists must also understand the laws and policies relevant to their profession and give priority to continuously improving their journalistic skills.

Fahmi said that media organisations are now increasingly adopting faster platforms for reporting news. 

“Both personally and as a ministry, we acknowledge the profound impact of ongoing technological changes on the media industry.

“I frequently come across complaints, particularly regarding the declining annual expenditure on advertising, with a noticeable shift towards increased spending on social media.

Media representatives attending the Malaysian Code of Ethics for Journalists launching ceremony at Putrajaya today, including Scoop founders Terence Fernandez (second from left), Datuk Zainul Arifin (third from left) and Datuk Ahirudin Attan (Rocky Bru) (fourth from left). – Abdul Razak Latif/Scoop pic, February 20, 2024

Fahmi emphasised that journalists must have tools and technologies that cater to the preferences of today’s readers, highlighting the importance of understanding the changing context of readership – where many now consume content through visual mediums rather than traditional reading.

He also stressed that the spread of defamation has accelerated in today’s fast-paced environment, necessitating a concerted effort towards accurate reporting that serves as a reliable reference within the community.

He said it is also important that the community exercise wisdom in evaluating and filtering information before trusting it.

“In today’s fast internet era, slander often spreads faster than our efforts to disseminate accurate and truthful news, verified for factual correctness.

Fahmi emphasised the importance of actively raising awareness to differentiate genuine news from content that various stakeholders may have altered or manipulated.

In his speech at the launch, Fahmi said that there is no absolute freedom for any individual or organisation to make false statements.

“In this context, existing laws are adequate to safeguard public order. Therefore, journalists and media organisations must shoulder the responsibility of disseminating authentic information.

“Furthermore, journalists play a crucial role in fostering prosperity and harmony, supported by the values of Madani Malaysia,” he added.

The code of ethics for journalists, first introduced in 1989, has been updated for the first time. It outlines a journalist’s responsibility as the voice of the people. – February 20, 2024

Topics

 

◉ Popular

E-hailing driver lured to palm plantation before being murdered, prosecution reveals

The prosecution in the trial of six policemen and a civilian who are charged with killing an e-hailing driver will adduce to show that the murder took place on January 13, 2023, where the deceased was lured out of a hotel in Tawau and ordered to drive with others in a car to an oil palm plantation where he was killed.

Gobind calls for new laws to hold platform owners responsible after Esha’s tragic death

Minister emphasises urgency of addressing cyberbullying, stressing need for immediate and firm action in such cases

Pengusaha bas ekspres, berilah kami diskaun atau harga khas: Pelajar IPT

Para pelajar IPT berkata permintaan mereka wajar dipertimbangkan kerana mereka antara yang paling banyak menggunakan perkhidmatan bas ekspres

◉ Related

Copyright © 2023. All rights reserved.