PETALING JAYA: The statement from Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for complaints involving journalists from recognised media organisations to first be referred to the Malaysian Media Council (MMC) before any further action is taken has been described as a significant step towards strengthening media self-regulation.
MMC said the Prime Minister's remarks reinforce the role of independent media self-regulation and support a fair, transparent and professional process for addressing concerns relating to journalism while upholding both media freedom and accountability.
"MMC regards this statement as an important recognition of the council's role as an independent self-regulatory body for Malaysia's media industry, consistent with its mandate to strengthen media freedom, raise professional journalism standards, promote responsible media ethics and provide a fair, independent and transparent complaints mechanism based on clear procedures," it said in a statement on Tuesday (July 7).
Earlier in Parliament, Anwar said complaints against journalists from recognised media organisations would no longer result in automatic investigations or enforcement action but must first be referred to the MMC.
Anwar said the mechanism was introduced to ensure any action against media practitioners is conducted fairly, transparently and independently, while preventing journalists from being subjected to investigations or prosecution without proper scrutiny.
"As a self-regulatory institution, MMC is not intended to replace the role of the courts or law enforcement agencies.
"The council's mandate is to ensure that disputes relating to journalistic practice, media ethics, accuracy of reporting, the right of reply, corrections, unfair media treatment and matters of public interest are addressed through an appropriate, professional and proportionate process," said the MMC.
The MMC also emphasised that journalists and media organisations remain subject to the laws of Malaysia.
"However, where complaints concern journalistic practice and media work, action against journalists should not be initiated automatically solely because a complaint has been lodged by any party.
"Such complaints should first undergo a review process that takes into account the context of journalism, the role of the media in a democratic society and the media's responsibilities to the public," it said.
This approach is essential to ensure that journalists are not subjected to arbitrary pressure, investigations or punitive measures, said the MMC.
"At the same time, it ensures that individuals and organisations affected by media reporting have access to a legitimate and structured avenue to seek clarification, responses, corrections or appropriate remedies.
"Through MMC's complaints mechanism, members of the public, organisations, government authorities and any party affected by media reporting may submit complaints to the council," it said.
All complaints received will first be assessed by the secretariat to determine whether they fall within MMC's jurisdiction and involve matters relating to journalism or media practice.
"Where appropriate, MMC may refer the matter to the relevant media organisation for a response, clarification or corrective action.
"If the complaint cannot be resolved at the preliminary stage, it may proceed to further assessment under the council's Code of Conduct.
"This mechanism is not intended to shield the media from accountability. Rather, it is designed to ensure that media accountability is exercised through a proper, independent, transparent and balanced process.
"Media freedom and media responsibility should not be viewed as competing principles; instead, they should be strengthened together," it added.
MMM also noted that Anwar's statement was made in the context of concerns regarding Malaysia's ranking in the World Press Freedom Index.
"Improving the country's ranking requires a comprehensive commitment, including legal reform, reducing undue pressure on journalists, guaranteeing access to information, safeguarding editorial independence, ensuring the safety of media practitioners and strengthening confidence in independent self-regulation."
MMM called upon all stakeholders, including government agencies, politicians, public institutions, civil society organisations and the public, to utilise the council's complaints mechanism whenever disputes or issues arise concerning media reporting.
"A culture of resolving media disputes through professional processes should be strengthened instead of resorting to public pressure, threats, harassment or punitive measures," it said.
