IPOH: Journalists in the country should feel free to report the news in the new era even if it involves criticising the prime minister and the leadership.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said it was not necessary for the media to only praise and report good things about the government as what was done in past administrations.
He said such criticism of the government was welcome as long as it avoids any form of racial provocation and any attempt to disturb public order.
"My friends and I in the leadership of the government made a very clear decision that the media in Malaysia should be free.
"(However), what if what was raised (by any media or person) was an attempt to provoke racial enmity through the publication of religious tracts which could harm or create commotion within society?
"But apart from such things, criticism of the prime minister or the leadership should be required. It should not cause anxiety and fear among reporters," Anwar said in a speech at the main celebration event of the National Journalists' Day (Hawana) 2023 at Casuarina Hotel in Meru here today.
He urged media practitioners to cultivate awareness in an effort to create a new culture in the journalism industry.
He said journalists in the past played a role as initiators of ideas in addition to acting as initiators in movements for change.
"Today, we briefly discovered about how Perak journalists covered history. We already know that journalists in our country are carriers of ideas and initiators of the spirit of independence. They sowed the seeds of moderation and refinement.
"Those who did this include Za'ba (Tan Sri Dr Zainal Abidin Ahmad) who brought about reform and change. There were other national figures such as (Abdul Rahim) Kajai, (Datuk Seri) A. Samad Said, (Datuk Dr) Usman Awang who are key players in making the country a new centre for success.
"So, Hawana should be used to express our (government's) appreciation to them (media practitioners)," he added.
Also present were Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil, Communications and Digital deputy minister Teo Neo Ching and Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad.
At a press conference, Fahmi said the ministry was committed to realising the establishment of the Malaysian Media Council (MMC).
He said the government supported the effort on order to continue to increase media freedom in this country.
He said the establishment of the MMC, which is currently in the final stages of planning, would also play a role in helping media practitioners in the country deal with the challenges they faced.
He said the ministry had informed the prime minister that the ministry was in the final phase of preparing the draft Bill for the establishment of the MMC.
"This proposal will be forwarded to the Attorney General's Office for scrutiny before being raised at the cabinet meeting.
"After being accepted and approved by the cabinet, it will be presented in Parliament. It might be tabled in October or at the latest at the first session for next year (2024)," he said.