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Free Malaysia Today
04-05-2025
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
Govt ready to work with journalists' union on AI guidelines, says Fahmi
Communications minister Fahmi Fadzil said he is ready to listen to the views of the National Union of Journalists Malaysia, and representatives from the media and NGOs. (Bernama pic) KUALA LUMPUR : The communications ministry is prepared to meet the National Union of Journalist Malaysia (NUJM) to develop guidelines on the use of artificial intelligence in the media industry, said its minister, Fahmi Fadzil. Fahmi said clear guidelines and better understanding are essential if the media is to benefit from AI rather than suffer from its misuse, particularly in spreading misinformation and fake news. 'I am ready for an in-depth discussion with NUJM, representatives from media, non-governmental organisations, and journalists' clubs to take in their views. 'I will try to meet NUJM this week,' he told reporters after officiating an event in Lembah Pantai today. His remarks came after NUJM warned that the growing use of AI in the media brings both opportunities and risks. 'We hope that, with the media council, more guidelines can be issued, and the NUJM is ready to offer its assistance on the matter,' the union was quoted as saying. The spotlight on AI use in the media intensified after Sin Chew Daily came under fire over an AI-generated illustration of the Jalur Gemilang without the crescent moon- a blunder that triggered a police investigation and the detention of two senior editors. 'RSF improvement welcomed, but more needs to be done' Fahmi welcomed Malaysia's rise in the latest Reporters Without Borders (RSF) press freedom index, moving up to 88th position from 107th last year. He attributed the improvement to recent initiatives, including the tabling and passage of the Media Council Bill. Still, he said, the government's priority is not just better rankings but helping the media industry face growing challenges. 'Many challenges, such as employment issues and whether AI will replace the roles of journalists, need to be addressed immediately. 'RSF report gives us an opportunity to reflect and strengthen our efforts to defend the livelihoods of our media practitioners,' he said. Fahmi also said the government must strike a balance between press freedom and curbing misinformation that could disrupt public order, especially those related to race, religion, and royalty (3Rs). 'Malaysians and the media have the right to speak out and carry out their duties in reporting, but our existing laws still apply,' he said. The RSF report noted Malaysia's relatively poor scores in legislation (133rd) and political context (92nd), adding that self-censorship around 3R issues remains widespread.
New Straits Times
04-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Press freedom progress encouraging, but key issues remain
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's climb to 19th place in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index marks encouraging progress, but there are still many challenges affecting the media industry that must be addressed, Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said. The Communications Minister said the government's goal is not merely to see the country's ranking improve but to ensure that all aspects of press freedom are strengthened and continuously improved. "Our goal is not just to see Malaysia's position in media freedom indices improve. "But I recognise that our media colleagues are facing many challenges that need to be addressed urgently. "These include issues such as employment, welfare, and concerns about the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). Will AI replace journalists? This is a significant issue we are facing. "This report allows us to reflect and redouble our efforts to advocate for the welfare of our media practitioners," he told reporters after launching the Universiti Malaya Public Health Campaign today. On the proposal from the National Union of Journalists Malaysia (NUJM) to collaborate on establishing ethical guidelines for AI usage, Fahmi said he would make time to meet with the union's representatives this week. He added that in addition to NUJM, his ministry would also arrange meetings with journalist associations and the Malaysian Press Institute (MPI). "We do need guidelines and understanding so that we can benefit from AI and not fall victim to misinformation or the misuse of AI, especially in the media," he said. Yesterday, NUJM expressed concern about the increasing use of AI technology in the journalism industry, which brings both potential benefits and risks. The union's secretary-general, Teh Athira Mohamed Yusof, said NUJM is ready to collaborate with the Malaysian Media Council, which was established by the government, to develop ethical guidelines on AI usage.
Malaysiakini
03-05-2025
- Business
- Malaysiakini
Press groups urge for ethical use of AI in media industry
In conjunction with World Press Freedom Day, two local press groups today pushed for a more ethical use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the media industry. In separate statements, the National Union of Journalists Malaysia (NUJM) and Gerakan Media Merdeka (Geramm) said while media companies embrace the new technology, it should not be used to replace journalists...
Malaysiakini
03-05-2025
- Politics
- Malaysiakini
NUJ lauds M'sia's rise in press freedom index, urges govt abolish PPPA
The National Union of Journalists Malaysia (NUJM) lauded the country's improved standing in this year's World Press Freedom Index, up 19 spots to the 88th place. Its general-secretary Teh Athira Yusof attributed the success to several factors, including the passing of the Malaysian Media Council law in the Parliament two months ago...
The Star
03-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Press freedom ranking up
NUJM: Legislation changes have bumped M'sia to 88th place PETALING JAYA: Legislation changes in the media industry has contributed to Malaysia's improved press freedom ranking, says the National Union of Journalists Malaysia (NUJM). NUJM general secretary Teh Athira Mohammed Yusof said Malaysia's improved ranking in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index was made possible by the passing of the Malaysian Media Council (MMC) Bill at the parliamentary level in February. 'As the government works towards gazetting the Bill, we hope that it will strengthen the country's journalism industry,' she said in a statement. Teh Athira said the union also attributed the achievement to journalists, editors and media practitioners who strived for press freedom. She said the union is hopeful that journalists would no longer be under the pressure of the Printing Presses and Publications Act following the establishment of MMC. Malaysia rose to 88th place in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders. The country recorded a score of 56.09 this year, marking a rebound from 2024 when it dropped to 107th with a score of 52.07. Addressing the rise of artificial intelligence in journalism, Teh Athira said the technology should not replace talents, skills and creativity of journalists. 'This is an important part as it will also ensure better welfare of the journalists working in the industry. We hope that with the MMC, more guidelines can be issued. 'NUJM is ready to offer our assistance on the matter in the future,' she added. Within the Asean region, Malaysia holds the second highest position, trailing just behind neighbouring Thailand, which ranks 85th. Brunei is ranked 97th, followed by the Philippines (116th), Singapore (123rd), Indonesia (127th), Laos (150th), Cambodia (161st), Myanmar (169th) and Vietnam (173rd). The World Press Freedom Index evaluates the state of media freedom in 180 countries by examining key indicators such as political environment, legal safeguards, editorial independence, transparency and the safety of journalists.
