‘Govt won’t interfere with media’

The government will not interfere with the media fraternity’s effort to self-regulate via its own code of ethics.

(NST) — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said this at the National Media Night and the presentation of the 2011 MPI-Petronas Malaysia Journalism Awards here last night.

“I’ve come to know that the printed media’s editorial players have reached a decision to set up a Malaysia Newspaper Council to act as a monitoring body to strengthen their level of professionalism to reach the same level as in developed nations.

“The government lauds such a move and I will let the special committee formed by editors to come up with a workable and practical code of ethics.

“The government will not interfere. In fact, we will accept whatever proposals forwarded with an open heart and mind.”

He expressed hope that the committee would come up with a set of principles that could guarantee media freedom by harmonising idealism with current realities.

He agreed with the media fraternity that the existing rules and regulations should not remain stagnant.

In this respect, Najib pointed out the government’s decision to abolish the annual renewal of printing licences which would be tabled in the ongoing Parliament session.

He said the government understood the need and role of media that was free, fair and responsible towards the nation’s development and progress.

The prime minister also believed that Malaysia must have done something right when it managed to move up in the 2011 World Media Freedom Index from 141st position in 2010 to 122.

“Among the Southeast Asian nations, we have secured first position and even beat Indonesia, which does not require a permit to publish a newspaper.

“Still, we should not be so engrossed with ratings given by others. We have our own set of values and interests to look after.”