GEORGE TOWN: Media and civil society must work closely together as both are vital pillars of a healthy democracy, says Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai.
The National Journalism Laureate and Bernama chairman said such collaboration helped the public better understand their rights and policies, enabling more participation in meaningful national debates.
"This creates the necessary pressure and visibility for change. Without this visibility, critical issues often fail to gain traction," he said during the 4th SM Mohamed Idris Memorial Lecture at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) on Saturday (Dec 6).
Wong, in his keynote speech, said non-governmental organisations (NGO) like Consumer Association of Penang (CAP) and Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM) possessed deep, ground-level expertise in their respective fields.
He said such NGOs have the social influence to reach and shape national conversations.
"They have credible data, testimonies and context on complex issues.
"This information is critical for journalists to transform complex data into compelling stories.
"Together, they can significantly strengthen public understanding and engagement," he added.
Also present were activist Datuk Seri Dr Anwar Fazal,USM's Prof Dr Azeem Fazwan Ahmad Farouk, SAM president Meenakshi Raman and CAP president Mohideen Abdul Kader.
Wong, who is also a columnist for The Star, paid tribute to the late SM Mohamed Idris, describing him as one of the most important figures in civil society history.
Mohamed Idris, the founding president of CAP in 1969, passed away on May 17, 2019 at age 93.
Wong said Mohamed Idris championed environmental issues, advocated for clean and free water, and promoted sustainability long before these concerns gained global attention.
"He was our biggest and most influential advocate for consumer rights, environmental protection and public rights.
"He was truly a man ahead of his time," he said.
Wong added that Mohamed Idris dedicated his life to defending the rights of the underprivileged.
"Under his leadership, CAP became a pioneering force in consumer protection, environmental advocacy and ethical awareness," he said.
CAP also led the pressure group that pushed for the establishment of the federal Environment Department in 1975.
For five decades, Mohamed Idris' efforts contributed to major reforms, including the banning of toxic drugs, mandatory expiry-date labelling on all food products, improved benefits under the Social Security Organisation and the Employees Provident Fund as well as stronger legal protection for tenants and homebuyers.
