KOTA KINABALU, March 1 (Bernama) — The establishment of the Malaysian Media Council (MMC) with the passing of the MMC Bill 2024 in the Dewan Rakyat last Wednesday marks a significant step toward a free and self-regulatory media landscape in the country, according to journalists in Sabah.
Sabah Journalists Association (SJA) president Datuk Muguntan Vanar said MMC will be beneficial for the media industry as it will gain public trust with mechanisms to address grievances.
“We consider it as a step towards a free and self-regulatory media in the country. MMC will allow for the media practitioners to operate freely with responsibility in line with the ethics and principles of journalism,” he told Bernama here.
Welcoming the setting up of the MMC, Muguntan also urged for adequate representation from both Sabah and Sarawak in the council, stressing that having just one representative from the Borneo states would be insufficient.
“We hope that Sabah and Sarawak are each represented in the council and not one rep only from the Borneo states,” he said.
On Feb 26, the Dewan Rakyat passed the MMC Bill 2024, which aims, among other things, to safeguard media freedom in ensuring the public receives accurate, credible and fair information.
The bill to establish the MMC was passed with a majority voice vote after it was debated by 18 Members of Parliament.
Tawau Reporters Association chairman Tan Chin Cheng welcomed the bill’s approval but emphasised that the council’s independence and transparency are crucial to ensure it serves the media industry’s interests rather than becoming a new control mechanism.
“It serves as a guideline for media practitioners to exercise greater caution in producing news content. The establishment of MMC encourages journalists to adhere to ethical standards and maintain accuracy in their reporting, ultimately enhancing the quality and credibility of news dissemination.
“For Sabah and Sarawak, this represents a significant assurance for media practitioners in these two regions to deliver quality information to the public. It serves as an intermediary between the community and media practitioners, giving the public an opportunity to file complaints regarding misreported or potentially defamatory news content,” he said.
He also noted the provision for representatives from Sabah and Sarawak, hoping they would genuinely represent East Malaysian media practitioners and address their unique challenges.
Tawau Journalists and Media Practitioners Association (Pewarta) deputy chairman Tamrin Jamil said the council would enhance the credibility of media practitioners and serve as a guideline for them to be more cautious in producing news.
“For Sabah and Sarawak, this assures media practitioners in delivering quality information to the community,” he said, suggesting that more East Malaysian representatives could be appointed to ensure broader coverage of regional issues.
Sandakan Media Association (PEMASSA) chairman James Leong Tshun Kian described the bill as a significant milestone for regulating the media landscape in Malaysia.
“It reflects a commitment to modernising media governance while balancing the need for transparency and independence,” he said.
Jesselton Times editor Newmond Tibin expressed full support for the bill, describing the MMC’s creation as significant for building an independent, accountable media environment involving multiple stakeholders.
He emphasised that the media council should operate independently, free from influence by the state, commercial entities, or other external pressures.
“With its focus on ethical standards, a system for handling complaints, and promoting professional growth, the MMC will give journalists and media workers the freedom to do their jobs while sticking to top-notch journalistic standards,” he said.
Veteran journalist Joseph Bingkasan described the law as not only timely but long overdue, noting that it would help develop Sabah’s media landscape.
“The law will regulate the function of the media but at the same time subscribe to the freedom of speech and expression as provided for in the Federal Constitution,” said the former head of the Sabah and Sarawak New Straits Times Editorial Department.
Bingkasan pointed out that Sabah currently lacks a body that oversees media affairs, with existing organisations focusing primarily on member welfare rather than addressing broader industry issues.
— BERNAMA