KUALA LUMPUR: Journalists must not sacrifice accuracy and ethics in the race to be first with the news, especially amid the rapid spread of information through social media and artificial intelligence, says Datuk Seri Nga Kor Ming.
The Housing and Local Government Minister said the role of journalists had become increasingly important as they were not only expected to deliver news quickly, but also verify and confirm information before presenting it to the public.
“The growth of social media and artificial intelligence over the past few years has led to the spread of information, whether authentic or fake, much more widely and rapidly,” he said during the Ministry's AKe Media Awards Ceremony at a hotel on Oct 5.
“Journalists are not merely the first to deliver news to the public, but also serve as the eyes and ears of the people in verifying, confirming and delivering news accurately and clearly.
“Let facts, not falsehoods, speak,” he added.
He also said the media played an important role in nation-building by conveying information to the public, connecting the government with the people and supporting economic growth.
The minister urged media practitioners to continue highlighting issues that directly affect people’s lives, including housing, the economy, development, urban well-being and social issues.
The awards ceremony held for its fourth edition this year received 1,129 entries, according to Nga.
Also present at the event was Star Media Group chief content officer Datin Paduka Esther Ng.
