KUALA LUMPUR – Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil (Lembah Pantai-PH) has provided reassurance that the revised Malaysian Code of Ethics for Journalists will not be used as a tool for the government to curtail media freedom.
Speaking in the Dewan Rakyat today, Fahmi recalled his previous role as an opposition lawmaker when he stood firmly for press freedom at the expense of receiving “relentless attacks” in the lower House.
“Once upon a time, I was an MP who defended the fate of the media. I was scorned in this very Dewan for defending journalists’ right to write reports, (and) I still remember how I was repeatedly attacked (by other lawmakers) at that time.
“As a democrat (who) holds on to reformation principles, I and administrative parties have no desire to suppress freedom of speech or the media’s right to produce reports. Press freedom remains a core principle that we have to support,” Fahmi said.
The minister said this in response to an additional question from fellow government lawmaker R.S.N Rayer (Jelutong-PH) on whether the ministry is able to provide its assurance that the code of ethics will not be used to silence reports exposing “scandals”.
DAP’s Rayer said that while he is supportive of the government’s efforts to update the code of ethics for journalists, he has received feedback from those within the media fraternity on concerns that it would be used to silence reporters.
On February 20, Fahmi unveiled the new version of the code of ethics, which incorporated eight key principles.
Among them, journalists are entrusted with the responsibility of being the voice of a diverse society, emphasising transparency, integrity, and fairness in disseminating information.
Another ethical guideline dictates that reporting should remain unaffected by personal interests, ensuring the authenticity and accuracy of information, with journalists also required to respect the privacy and confidentiality of their sources.
Furthermore, journalists are encouraged to familiarise themselves with relevant laws, statutes, and policies pertaining to their responsibilities while prioritising the continuous improvement of their journalistic skills.
In a departure from the usual discord, Rayer conceded that he “partially agreed” with Bersatu MP Datuk Wan Saiful Wan Jan (Tasek Gelugor-PN), who expressed concerns earlier about how the code could potentially open the door for the government to curtail media freedom.
“It’s worrying when (Fahmi) has clearly said that there is a connection between the issuance of media accreditation cards by Japen (the Information Department) and (media agencies’) implementation and enforcement of the ethics code,” Wan Saiful said in his supplementary question to Fahmi.
“The ministry must recognise that there is a lot of concern (on the matter). Can an assurance be given that once the Malaysian Media Council is formed, the (current) code will be abolished and the council will be allowed to establish its own code for the media industry to self-regulate itself?
“Can the ministry assure that media accreditation cards will be given fairly and without party politics, regardless of whether a media organisation supports the government?”
In response, Fahmi again stressed that media cards do not function as a practicing licence for members of the media and are instead meant to facilitate coverage of official government events.
“If you (media members) don’t have a media card, it doesn’t mean that you cannot do your job. It is not a document meant to restrict or deny the media’s right to their duties; it’s just a document to ease the covering of official government events,” the minister said.
He also pointed out that Sarawak Report founder Clare Rewcastle Brown, who exposed details on the 1Malaysia Development Bhd scandal, did not hold a media accreditation card but was able to publish her stories on the matter.
Last week, the Information Department announced new validity periods for its media accreditation cards, following streamlining procedures for the approval and issuance of the cards.
The approval process and criteria for media accreditation cards became a press freedom issue recently when Fahmi said they would be tied to the revised code of ethics for journalists, which he launched last month. – March 12, 2024
 has provided reassurance that the revised Malaysian Code of Ethics for Journalists will not be used as a tool for the government to curtail media freedom. ){kind=link}