KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Media Council (MMC), established in 2025, has emerged as a new mechanism to strengthen self-regulation within the country's media industry amid growing concerns over ethics, media freedom and challenges in the digital era.
MMC secretary Radzi Razak said the council was set up to provide a fairer, more professional and independent platform to manage media-related issues. This is particularly important as cases involving the industry are increasingly shaped by social media pressure and enforcement action.
The absence of a legitimate, independent and structured industry forum previously had made it difficult to comprehensively manage issues. These include complaints against the media, journalistic standards and questions surrounding media freedom within a professional framework.
"The need for the MMC has become increasingly urgent as the media industry faces new challenges such as artificial intelligence (AI), digital disruption and doxxing," he said.
Economic pressures in newsrooms and declining public trust in the media were also factors.
Radzi was speaking in an interview in conjunction with National Journalists' Day (Hawana) on Friday (May 29).
He said the council's primary mandate under the Malaysian Media Council Act 2025 (Act 868) is to develop a self-regulatory system for the media industry. It does not function as a government enforcement agency.
Roles of the MMC include setting journalistic ethical standards, establishing a code of conduct and managing complaint mechanisms. It also aims to strengthen training and professional development for media practitioners.
The structure of the council was designed to prevent any single party from monopolising power. Membership comprises media companies, associations, independent practitioners and non-media representatives to ensure checks and balances.
However, Radzi acknowledged that confusion still exists among media practitioners regarding the council's actual role. This is despite the law coming into force on June 14, 2025.
"Some view the MMC as a non-governmental organisation (NGO) or a government agency. Others assume it can directly punish or instruct media organisations," he said.
In reality, the MMC is a self-regulatory institution that requires the participation of the industry itself.
Radzi said the council's effectiveness should be measured by its structure, processes and track record of decisions. It should not be judged by mere claims of its independence.
"MMC must be bold enough to reprimand the media in cases of ethical breaches. At the same time, it must defend journalists when they are pressured while carrying out their duties," he said.
This, he added, is the true test of the self-regulation concept.
On perceptions that the MMC has yet to stand out in several issues, Radzi said the matter deserved attention as the public wants to see the institution's role more clearly.
"The criticism has some basis in terms of perception. As a new institution, if it only works behind the scenes, the public and media practitioners will not see its function," he said.
He noted that while the MMC cannot be too reactive, it also cannot remain too silent.
On issues involving doxxing, exposure of personal information and digital harassment, he said the council viewed such matters seriously. These involve the safety of media practitioners and media freedom.
Measures being implemented include the development of an online complaint mechanism. This ensures every complaint can be recorded, screened and managed more systematically.
"MMC has also begun adopting a 'standards support' approach instead of relying solely on disciplinary responses," Radzi said.
This means when issues involving safety, reporting ethics or digital harassment arise, the MMC can help assess the situation and provide advice. It can also develop guidelines to prevent similar incidents from recurring.
Carrying the theme "Media Integrity, Foundation of Credibility", Radzi expressed hope that Hawana would serve as a platform to discuss real issues. He said it should not merely be a ceremonial event.
The Hawana 2026 highlight event will be held in Penang on June 20. It is organised by the Communications Ministry with Bernama as the implementing agency.
The event serves as the country's main platform to recognise the contributions, dedication and professionalism of media practitioners in Malaysia. - Bernama
