KUALA LUMPUR: The Communications Ministry has submitted the draft of the Malaysian Media Council Bill to the Attorney General's Chamber (AGC) for final review.
In a parliamentary written reply, Minister Fahmi Fadzil said the bill is expected to be presented in the current parliamentary session, subject to cabinet approval.
"The ministry has actively held discussion sessions regarding the proposal for the establishment of the Malaysian Media Council (MMM) with the Protem Committee and relevant stakeholders to gather feedback and finalise the bill. The ministry has also completed the regulatory impact analysis process for the establishment of the Malaysian Media Council.
"The draft of the bill, which has been jointly agreed upon, has been submitted to the AGC, for final review before the cabinet memorandum regarding the bill is prepared.
"The bill is expected to be presented in the current parliamentary session, subject to cabinet approval," he said in response to a question from Ahmad Fadhli Shaari (PN-Pasir Mas).
Fadhli asked about the current status of the establishment of the Malaysian Media Council as previously promised, as well as the timeline of its implementation.
Fahmi said the establishment of a self-regulatory organisation for the media and its practitioners is essential to uphold journalism standards, enhance professionalism and provide a space for public complaints against the media.
Once established, the Malaysian Media Council will be responsible for developing and implementing a reporting ethics code.
This will empower the journalism profession in the country while ensuring that news reporting by the media is conducted responsibly.