KOTA KINABALU: The Malaysian Media Council (MMC) marks a historic milestone, fulfilling a 50-year vision first proposed by Tun Abdul Razak Hussein, which stakeholders have hailed as a turning point for media self-regulation.
Its founding board member Datuk Sardahthisa James said the establishment represented a paradigm shift in media governance, enabling industry players to set their ethical standards and best practices while fostering constructive collaboration with the government.
“It does not mean that the government is abdicating its role in regulating the media, as it will always be needed to navigate an environment that considers certain matters sensitive.
“What the MMC does is provide an opportunity for the media to be constructive and work with the government on what these good practices should constitute,” the Daily Express editor-in-chief told Bernama yesterday.
The MMC Act took effect on Saturday, with Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil announcing the council’s 12-member founding board at the Hawana 2025 celebration.
James noted that while the late Abdul Razak’s original vision for the MMC focused on guiding media operations, he could not have anticipated the way digital media and generative AI would revolutionise information, helping people make informed decisions.
“The MMC must now develop strategies to navigate these challenges and propose solutions that serve the Malaysian media while meeting public expectations,” he said.
He added that the council’s immediate challenge lies in addressing the impact of emerging technologies, including digital media and generative AI, on information dissemination while developing acceptable guidelines for Malaysian media practitioners.
James, who is also part of the Bernama board of governors, highlighted the council’s inclusive nature, noting significant representation from Sabah and Sarawak media, particularly from Sabah, in line with the spirit of equal partnership enshrined in the Malaysia Agreement, which determines journalistic standards.
Utusan Borneo Sabah editor-in-chief Datuk Lichong Angkui expressed hope that the council would not only serve as a regulatory body but, more importantly, as a strong, independent and inclusive protector in preserving the integrity and freedom of the media.
Tawau Journalists and Media Practitioners Association deputy chairman Tamrin Jamil said the council’s establishment is timely to safeguard the local media industry amid rapid technological advancements.
