KUALA LUMPUR: The government will not impose itself on the media as such move would not help towards the promotion of healthy democracy in the country.
Foreign Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah said media practitioners should also play their role to educate the public through reports that inculcate civil and mature politics.
He said the new government had gained the trust of the people who wanted to see the country’s democracy upheld.
“You won’t see editors summoned (by the higher-ups) for publishing pictures (of leaders) who weren’t smiling.
“Pakatan Harapan’s (PH) victory will amount to nothing if the same things happen all over again.
“This needs the support from the people in realising a New Malaysia,” he said in his speech at the 2017 MPI-Petronas Malaysia Awards Night at Hotel Shangri-La tonight.
Saifuddin said he didn’t want to see the New Malaysia practising old culture which was adopted by the previous government.
He said the people had difficulties understanding the transition given the short time so many things had happened and the media could play a role in addressing this.
“We hope the media helps us in educating the people, but I don’t want the media to take the government’s side.
“There is no point for PH to win and the change of government if mature politics is not achieved. Having said that, Imust say that mature politics is already being showcased by the people with the change of government.
“The main thing is we all work towards ensuring that we have a mature democracy,” he said.