KL's updated media ethics code sparks concern over press freedom

Some flag govt dept’s authority to cancel a reporter’s accreditation based on complaints

- Azril Annuar

Malaysia's updated code of ethics for journalists has raised concerns that it may curb media freedom, given that it was developed by Malaysia's Information Department (Japen).

Contentiously, the department, which is under the Ministry of Communications, also said the code would serve as its guideline for the management of Malaysia's media accreditation cards.

Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil, who launched the code on Feb 20, said that revisions were needed to take into account the advent of social media.

At the same time, the new eight-point code will assist in combating fake news or defamation.

The code, which applies to local and foreign media, states that journalists must avoid disseminating inaccurate, baseless and deceitful content.

Media professionals must guarantee that all information has undergone a thorough analysis and verification to ascertain its accuracy.

Sources and excerpted content from previously published materials must also be credited. A key addition is the call for reporters to continuously improve their skills to keep up with technology.

The original 1989 version of the code was created under the Malaysian Press Institute (MPI).

For the updated version, Japen consulted nine parties, including industry bodies like MPI and the National Union of Journalists Malaysia (NUJM), universities and the interim Malaysian Media Council (MMC) committee.

What has raised red flags among some media practitioners and observers was the minister's confirmation on Feb 20 that Japen has the authority to cancel a journalist's accreditation based on complaints issued against the individual.