KUALA PERLIS (Bernama): Media practitioners should avoid practising ‘armchair journalism' in efforts to deliver more accurate news to the public, says Deputy Human Resources Minister Datuk Mahfuz Omar (pic).
He said inaccurate reports, particularly “inappropriate news”, would cause the community to feel uneasy and unsafe.
“Being informed and knowledgeable journalists, they should assist the government in delivering accurate information.
“As an experienced individual, the journalist has a responsibility towards the country,” he said in his speech at a dinner to celebrate the Labour Department of Peninsular Malaysia Perlis (JTKSM) branch’s staff and media practitioners in the state here Monday (Feb 11) night.
Also present were Kuala Perlis assemblyman Noor Azam Karap, Indera Kayangan assemblyman Gan Ay Ling and JTKSM deputy director-general (management and development) Paeza Rosdi.
‘Armchair journalism’ refers to news obtained without going out to the field.
Mahfuz said there were those who ventured into journalism solely due their interest, and who have no “journalistic basis” that resulted in them publishing “sensational news”.
“It is not wrong if we want to criticise leaders, but it must be done with a sense of responsibility so that the people will not become victims of inaccurate news and information,” he said.
He also urged media practitioners to assist the government in driving the country by disseminating the government's programmes, so that all forms of information would reach the people. – Bernama
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