Latest news with #MalaysianMediaCouncilAct2025
The Sun
19 hours ago
- Business
- The Sun
Malaysian Media Council to operate independently without govt interference
PUTRAJAYA: The newly established Malaysian Media Council (MMC) will function independently to resolve media industry challenges without government interference, according to Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil. He emphasised that the council will operate autonomously from the Communications Ministry, ensuring an inclusive and ethical media landscape. Fahmi highlighted the importance of stakeholder involvement in maintaining media independence, responsibility, and credibility. His remarks came during the appointment ceremony of the MMC founding board members, attended by Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching and other key officials. Six of the 12 founding board members received their appointment letters, selected based on expertise in journalism, media, academia, and communications. The MMC was formalised under the Malaysian Media Council Act 2025 (Act 868), effective June 14, to uphold media freedom and ensure accurate public information. The government has pledged support for the MMC's legal and financial needs during its initial phase. Fahmi expressed confidence that the council could eventually become self-sustaining, with operational decisions left to the founding board. Funding discussions between the Communications Ministry and the MMC board are underway to determine financial requirements. The first MMC Annual General Meeting is scheduled for November 7, where new board members will be elected. – Bernama
Barnama
20 hours ago
- Business
- Barnama
Media Council Independent, To Address Industry Issues Without Govt Interference
PUTRAJAYA, July 15 (Bernama) -- The establishment of the Malaysian Media Council (MMC) will allow issues related to the media industry to be addressed more inclusively, sustainably and independently, free from government interference, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said. Fahmi said MMC will operate independently from the Communications Ministry and will be given full space to carry out its responsibilities under its designated functions. 'I hope that with the establishment of the MMC, the challenges faced by our colleagues in the media industry can be managed in a more inclusive, sustainable and independent manner. 'More importantly, it will enable various stakeholders to play their part in ensuring that the media remains not only independent and self-reliant, but also ethical and responsible,' he told a press conference after attending the handing over of appointment letters ceremony of the MMC founding board members here today. Also present were Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching, Communications Ministry secretary-general Datuk Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa and Bernama Chief Executive Officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin. At the ceremony, Fahmi presented letters of appointment to six of the 12 founding board members of the MMC, who were selected based on their expertise, experience and contributions in journalism, media, academia and communications. The appointments follow the enactment of the Malaysian Media Council Act 2025 (Act 868), which came into force on June 14 and aims to safeguard media freedom and ensure the public receives accurate, credible and fair information. Previously, Fahmi announced that the MMC Founding Board comprises 12 individuals representing four categories: media companies; media associations, media practitioners, and independent journalists; and non-media professionals. He said the government is ready to assist the MMC in legal and financial aspects to ensure its smooth establishment, particularly during its early operations.
Daily Express
20 hours ago
- Politics
- Daily Express
Malaysian Media Council's 12 founding board members appointed
Published on: Tuesday, July 15, 2025 Published on: Tue, Jul 15, 2025 By: Malay Mail, Muhammad Yusry Text Size: Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil (centre) presents the letter of appointment to Gayathry S. Venkiteswaran (right) at Menara Komunikasi in Putrajaya on July 15, 2025. — Bernama pic KUALA LUMPUR: Twelve founding members were appointed today to spearhead the newly established Malaysian Media Council (MMC), marking another step in the self-regulation of the country's media industry. The appointments follow the enforcement of the Malaysian Media Council Act 2025 on June 14, which paved the way for the establishment. Advertisement 'The formation of this council reflects the government's commitment under the Malaysia Madani agenda to uphold press freedom, while ensuring access to accurate, ethical, and fair information for all Malaysians,' the Communications Ministry said in a statement. At a ceremony in Putrajaya today, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil presented letters of appointment to six of the 12 founding board members. The council will serve as a platform for industry-led checks and balances and is tasked with establishing ethical standards and encouraging responsible journalism practices. Under the Act, its functions include setting a code of conduct for journalists, upholding media freedom, regulating professional ethics, engaging with the public and government, and recommending media law reforms. Board members were selected based on their experience and contributions in journalism, media, academia, and communications. The 12 founding members appointed are: 1. Wong Yang Yong (The Borneo Post & Utusan Borneo) 2. Datuk Sardathisa G.M. James (Daily Express Sabah) 3. Premesh Chandran (Malaysiakini) 4. Ashwad Ismail (Astro Awani) 5. Teh Athira Mohamed Yusof (National Union of Journalists Malaysia) 6. Ronnie Teo Teck Wei (Kuching Division Journalists Association) 7. Mohd Radzi Abdul Razak (Gerakan Media Merdeka – Geramm) 8. Muthameez Manan (Tamil Media Association) 9. Mohd Azmyl Md Yusof (Sunway University) 10. Gayathry Venkiteswaran (University of Nottingham Malaysia) 11. Celine Lim Kooi Hua (Save Rivers) 12. Terence Ooi Guan Tseng (Wiki Impact) The ministry stated that the council is expected to support a more responsible and ethical media landscape, aligned with the principles of parliamentary democracy. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Borneo Post
a day ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Malaysian Media Council appoints Founding Board members
The council's key roles include promoting the highest standards of ethical and responsible journalism, as well as establishing a code of conduct for the media industry. — Bernama photo KUCHING (July 15): The long-awaited Malaysian Media Council (MMC) has officially taken shape with the appointment of its Founding Board members today. The appointees received their letters of appointment from the Ministry of Communications, marking a historic milestone for Malaysia's media landscape. In a statement, the council expressed deep appreciation to the ministry for its steadfast support in realising the formation of a self-regulatory body for the media industry — an idea first mooted in the 1970s but only now coming to fruition after decades of advocacy and deliberation. A major breakthrough came in 2019 under the then minister of communications and multimedia Gobind Singh Deo, who initiated the formation of a pro tem committee comprising representatives from across the media ecosystem. The committee had submitted its report and draft legislation in July 2020. Renewed political support in 2024 under current Minister of Communications Datuk Fahmi Fadzil and Deputy Minister Teo Nie Ching eventually saw the Malaysian Media Council Act 2025 passed unanimously in Parliament in February. The Act has been hailed as a significant milestone for an independent, professional, and resilient Malaysian media landscape. About the Malaysian Media Council The Malaysian Media Council is an independent self-regulatory body for the media industry. Its key roles include promoting the highest standards of ethical and responsible journalism, as well as establishing a code of conduct for the media industry. Its other key roles include regulating the ethics and professional conduct of members, including investigating and mediating complaints, and facilitating communication between the media, government, and the public. The council's other key roles are supporting law reform that advances media independence, promoting professional development of journalists, and maintaining a central information database on the media sector. The council's Founding Board comprises representatives from media owners, professionals, and public interest groups, to reflect diverse representation. Importantly, the Act mandates that at least 25 per cent of the board members must be from Sabah and Sarawak, and that the council must achieve gender parity in its leadership — a first for such a body in Malaysia. The individuals appointed to the council are namely: Media Owners: Phyllis Wong (The Borneo Post and Utusan Borneo), James Sarda (Sabah Publishing House), Premesh Chandran (Malaysiakini), and Ashwad Ismail (Astro Awani) Media Professionals: Teh Athira Yusof (National Union of Journalists), Radzi Razak (Gerakan Media Merdeka), Ronnie Teo (Kuching Division Journalists Association), and Muthameez Manan (Tamil Media Association) Public Interest Representatives: Gayathry Venkiteswaran (University of Nottingham Malaysia), Celine Lim (SAVE Rivers), Terence Ooi (Wiki Impact), and Azmyl Yunor (Sunway University) At its first meeting, the board appointed Premesh Chandran as interim chairperson pending a full election later this year. The board also announced that membership to the Malaysia Media Council will officially open in early August and close by the end of September. Applications — with a nominal RM10 fee — can be submitted via the official website Membership is open to media owners, practitioners, and organisations representing public interests within the media ecosystem. The council's inaugural annual general meeting (AGM) is set for Nov 7 in Kuala Lumpur, where members will elect the full board and deliberate on key matters including the membership fee structure, industry code of conduct, complaint mechanisms, budget, and governing by-laws. Interim chairperson Premesh Chandran noted the formation of the council is not a silver bullet. 'Building a credible, effective council that protects media independence and supports the viability of the industry requires a large, active, and committed membership. We invite all stakeholders to take ownership of this institution. 'It is a huge responsibility. I am deeply encouraged by our shared commitment to upholding media ethics and accountability, even before the council is formally operational,' he said. Phyllis Wong, general manager of The Borneo Post and Utusan Borneo, said the council marks the beginning of a united voice for responsible journalism in Malaysia. 'It is a huge responsibility. I am deeply encouraged by our shared commitment to upholding media ethics and accountability, even before the council is formally operational,' she said. For Kuching Division Journalists Association president Ronnie Teo, the council marks the start of 'a united voice for responsible journalism in Malaysia,' bringing together professionals from across Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, and Sarawak. 'We believe this unified voice will be significant in strengthening our profession and its vital role in the nation,' he added. Wiki Impact's Terence Ooi said the council represents a historic opportunity to reframe the relationship between media and the public – grounded in trust, truth, and transparency. 'As a representative of civil society, I am committed to championing inclusive narratives and ethical standards that reflect the diverse realities of our beloved nation,' said Ooi. Astro Awani editor-in-chief Ashwad Ismail stressed that innovation cannot be at the cost of integrity. He pointed out in an age where artificial intelligence (AI) is set to become a defining force in how information is created, distributed, and consumed, the role of media in society is more crucial than ever. 'The council must be a compass anchoring ethical journalism and strengthening public trust while ensuring that innovation advances without compromising integrity,' said Ashwad. Radzi Razak, representing Gerakan Media Merdeka (Geramm) stressed the establishment of the council not only reinforces a trusted system of self‑regulation, but also affirming the vital role of journalism in holding power to account and safeguarding the public's right to know. Sunway University senior lecturer Azmyl Yunor underscored the council's potential in fostering democratic values and responsible narratives. 'As an artist-researcher representing both the creative arts community and higher education, my hope is that with the establishment of the council, stakeholders who shape media narratives will be held accountable by ethics and values that fosters a healthy democracy that in turn creates a society that is able to think for itself.' Gayathry Venkiteswaran of the University of Nottingham Malaysia expressed hope that the council would drive broader reforms for media freedom. 'The council is the first major step towards decriminalising journalism and building a media accountability model that is based on code of conduct, professional standards, and public interest,' said Gayathry. lead Malaysian Media Council Premesh Chandran
The Star
13-06-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Media council law takes effect today
PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Media Council Act 2025 comes into effect today after Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil ( pic ) signed the gazette yesterday. The Malaysian Media Council Bill 2024, which will move the local mass media industry towards self-regulation, was passed in Dewan Rakyat on Feb 26. The Act comes into effect as Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim attends the National Journalists Day (Hawana) 2025 celebration today as a special guest amid the gathering of some 1,000 local and foreign journalists. Organised by the Communications Ministry with Bernama as the implementing agency, Hawana 2025 features a variety of activities. On June 3, Fahmi reportedly said that new developments regarding the Malaysian Media Council are expected to be announced during the Hawana 2025 Summit. He said the council was established to defend media freedom, ensure fair and responsible reporting, and serve as a channel for the public to voice complaints against the media in a civil manner.
