Ismail Sabri Assures That Govt Has Nothing To Hide & Will Not Interfere With Media Freedom
The Prime Minister hoped that the check-and-balance practice will continue to avoid any misreporting that would undermine the integrity and trust of the media.
By Ivyna Ong — 30 May 2022, 01:17 PM
At the National Journalists Day (HAWANA) 2022 celebration, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob assured that the government would not interfere in the media's freedom of expression in Malaysia
At the event in Melaka yesterday, 29 May, the prime minister said the government has never prevented news outlets from publishing any form of information.
According to New Straits Times, he said that the government would help the media disseminate the right and accurate information to the public.
"The government will always listen to issues raised by the media. All ministries and government agencies have provided cooperation and assisted the media in distributing a balanced, accurate, and right information to the people," he added.
"Therefore, I want to give my assurance that the government has nothing to hide in the distribution of information that is not only important for the people but also for the development of the nation."
With this, he hopes that media outlets would also publish information that is fair when proposing ways to help solve issues within the community.
The Prime Minister hoped that the check-and-balance practice will continue to avoid any misreporting that would undermine the integrity and trust of the media
He added that as technology is rapidly advancing so is the rise in citizen journalists who contribute to the spread of fake and inaccurate news.
"I hope media organisations and journalists will help deflect and refute fake news and remind these quarters of 'wartawan segera' from spreading inaccurate or fake news," said Ismail Sabri, reported New Straits Times.
Meanwhile, formal training would be given to the upcoming journalists to develop their expertise and ensure that the profession of journalism will continue to be respected.
Ismail Sabri announced an allocation of RM1 million for the Malaysian and Indonesian Journalists' Association (ISWAMI) to plan programmes for media practitioners in the two countries
He said that this alliance should be expanded to cover other Southeast Asian countries to boost the unity of journalists in the region, reported theSundaily.
This alliance would also help promote Malaysia as an investment and tourism destination through the various news publications.
