Media must be given freedom, says Dr Wee

MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong (fourth left) leading his secretary-general Datuk Chong Sin Woon (third right) and other party leaders extending their festive wishes to visitors together Star Media Group chairman Datuk Fu Ah Kiow (fifth right), chief executive officer Andreas Vogiatzakis (third left) and chief revenue officer Lydia Wang (second left) during the MCA Media Night 2020 at Wisma MCA on Wednesday night. IZZRAFIQ ALIAS / The Star. February 12, 2020.

KUALA LUMPUR: The media must be given the freedom to disseminate informative and professional reports to the public, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.

The MCA president said that as a responsible party, MCA would never ask for every single party story or comment to be published without being criticised in the media.

''We leave it to the editors to decide on the news value, as we respect the professionalism of the media practitioners.

''Media must be given the freedom and space as the fourth estate to provide the necessary check and balance to the government in Malaysia.

''If we believe in the freedom of speech, we must practise what we preach, '' he said during the MCA Media Night 2020 on Wednesday (Feb 12).

In his speech, Dr Wee thanked media personnel for their commitment and hard work in presenting informative and professional reports to the public.

He also expressed his well wishes to some of the media personnel who are leaving the industry, following companies' downsizing and retrenchment.

Despite not being in the government, Dr Wee said that MCA would continue to host the annual open house event on the first day of Chinese New Year at Wisma MCA.

''It is important for a Chinese party to host the festive celebration to keep the tradition going, '' he said, adding that it has been MCA's tradition hosting the open house since the building opened.

The media night, organised annually by MCA, saw a good turnout among media personnel who were treated to a night full of fun and feasting.

The MCA leaders also kicked off their heels and let down their hair to participate in the fun activities planned out for the night.

Dr Wee did a dance alongside The Star photographer Shaari Che Mat in one of the challenges, and also had to wear a Mickey Mouse headband while taking a selfie with another The Star photographer, Azlina Abdullah.

The guests of the media night were also feted with delicious dinner and dessert, while being entertained by talented performers who presented enthralling dance and song numbers.

The highlight of the night's event was the lucky draw, which saw a number of media personnel take home prizes such as mobile phones, laptops, televisions and power banks.

Also present were party deputy president Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon, secretary-general Datuk Chong Sin Woon, Wanita chief Datuk Heng Seai Kie, Youth chief Nicole Wong and seniors of various media organisations.