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New Straits Times
3 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Journalists with integrity not merely news writers
BUTTERWORTH: Journalists with integrity do not merely write news, but deliver accurate information and act as watchdogs in a democratic country and shape public opinion. Penang chief minister Chow Kon Yeow said in a fast-paced world overflowing with information that can often times be confusing, journalists play a vital role in sifting, researching and ensuring that accurate and correct information is delivered to the public. "Journalists have the duty to be the border between fact and slander, truth and manipulation," he said during his speech at the Penang state-level National Journalists Day (Hawana) 2025 celebrations here last night. As such, he urged media practitioners to continue to hold to journalism ethics and ensure that the information spread was not just accurate, but capable of fostering understanding and unity. He also expressed the Penang government's appreciation towards the media for their role as a strategic partner in the state's development. "I believe with the support and cooperation of the media, government policies and initiatives can be understood and assessed fairly by the public," he said. Meanwhile, Media Mutiara Club president Mohd Iskandar Othman said Hawana was now an important platform to honour the role of the media in championing freedom and safety of journalists and to spur discussions on ethics, digital challenges and the future of the media industry. He also expressed his appreciation to the Communications Ministry's initiative to launch Tabung Kasih @Hawana in April 2023, which is implemented by the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama). "Since its launch, the fund has provided aid to 315 media practitioners throughout the country, including those who are active and retired, focusing on those with health problems, facing difficulties in life or affected by disasters. "The initiative not only provide financial aid but also shows care and concern to journalists who have greatly contributed to society," he said. The highlight of Hawana 2025 will take place on June 14 at World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur, and will be officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, with an estimated 1,000 media practitioners, both local and foreign, in attendance. Hawana, organised by the Communications Ministry and with Bernama as its implementing agency, offers various events, including a Pesta Pantun on May 31 and a prelaunch with strategic partners at Wisma Bernama on June 3, as well as a media jointly organised with the Malaysian Press Institute (MPI) on June 14.
New Straits Times
27-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Fahmi: Efforts underway to formally establish media council
PUTRAJAYA: Efforts to formally establish the Malaysian Media Council (MMC) are currently underway, with an official announcement expected by the National Journalists Day (Hawana) 2025 celebration on June 14. Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said the process will commence once the Malaysian Media Council Bill that was passed by the Dewan Rakyat on Feb 26 and the Dewan Negara on March 19 receives the Yang di-Pertuan Agong's consent and is officially gazetted. "We expect to begin the process of officially establishing the Malaysian Media Council within the next few weeks, once the bill receives the consent of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and is gazetted. "It will take some time due to both administrative and financial aspects, which involve waiting for allocations from the Finance Ministry. Insya-Allah, we hope to have good news about the MMC by (the time) Hawana (day comes)," he told reporters after the Communications Ministry's monthly assembly here today. Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching and ministry secretary-general Datuk Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa were also in attendance. Also present were Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) Chief Executive Officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin. Fahmi previously said the establishment of the MMC, which has been approved by Parliament, is expected to begin functioning by mid-year. The council will serve as a self-regulatory body to safeguard media freedom and uphold journalistic ethics, while also empowering the media industry in Malaysia. In his speech earlier, Fahmi said Hawana 2025 is not just a celebration but a platform to strengthen the media ecosystem and recognise the vital role played by journalists. "It also aims to reinforce professionalism and responsible freedom of expression among media practitioners. As a curtain-raiser, a pre-launch for Hawana will take place on June 3 at Wisma Bernama," he said. The highlight of Hawana 2025 will take place on June 14 at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL) with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim being the guest of honour. The event is expected to gather around 1,000 journalists from Malaysia and abroad. Organised by the Communications Ministry with Bernama as the implementing agency, Hawana 2025 will feature a variety of activities, including a Pesta Pantun on May 31, a pre-launch event with strategic partners at Wisma Bernama on June 3, and a media forum jointly hosted with the Malaysian Press Institute (MPI) on June 14.
The Sun
27-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Efforts underway to formally establish Media Council
PUTRAJAYA: Efforts to formally establish the Malaysian Media Council (MMC) are currently underway, with an official announcement expected by the National Journalists Day (HAWANA) 2025 celebration on June 14. Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said the process will commence once the Malaysian Media Council Bill that was passed by the Dewan Rakyat on Feb 26 and the Dewan Negara on March 19 receives the Yang di-Pertuan Agong's consent and is officially gazetted. 'We expect to begin the process of officially establishing the Malaysian Media Council within the next few weeks, once the bill receives the consent of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and is gazetted. 'It will take some time due to both administrative and financial aspects, which involve waiting for allocations from the Finance Ministry. Insya-Allah, we hope to have good news about the MMC by HAWANA,' he told reporters after the Communications Ministry's monthly assembly here today. Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching and ministry secretary-general Datuk Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa were also in attendance. Also present were Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) Chief Executive Officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin. Fahmi previously said the establishment of the MMC, which has been approved by Parliament, is expected to begin functioning by mid-year. The council will serve as a self-regulatory body to safeguard media freedom and uphold journalistic ethics, while also empowering the media industry in Malaysia. In his speech earlier, Fahmi said HAWANA 2025 is not just a celebration but a platform to strengthen the media ecosystem and recognise the vital role played by journalists. 'It also aims to reinforce professionalism and responsible freedom of expression among media practitioners. As a curtain-raiser, a pre-launch for HAWANA will take place on June 3 at Wisma Bernama,' he said. The highlight of HAWANA 2025 will take place on June 14 at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL) with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim being the guest of honour. The event is expected to gather around 1,000 journalists from Malaysia and abroad. Organised by the Communications Ministry with Bernama as the implementing agency, HAWANA 2025 will feature a variety of activities, including a Pesta Pantun on May 31, a pre-launch event with strategic partners at Wisma Bernama on June 3, and a media forum jointly hosted with the Malaysian Press Institute (MPI) on June 14.
