Kuala Lumpur: The explosion of information without borders has made the media not just a news provider, but a bulwark to ward off false information that can threaten stability, as well as functioning as a check and balance mechanism on government policies.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) Institute of Social Science Studies researcher Dr. Mastura Mahamed emphasized the media's role as the fourth pillar or fourth estate in democracy. She likened the media to a "watchdog" and a bridge with institutions to ensure integrity and accountability while ensuring that the people's voices are heard.
Dr. Mastura advocated for journalists to be granted the space, trust, and protection necessary to perform their duties freely and safely. She stressed that such a media ecosystem would be functional, ethical, and a contributor to civilization-building. Highlighting a common misunderstanding, she noted that many without a journalism background often blame the media without grasping its democratic function.
To address this, Dr. Mastura proposed a collaborative approach involving Higher Education Institutions, NGOs, the media industry, and the community to educate the public on the media's critical role as a check and balance in the national system. This collaboration would help clarify communication between the people and national leadership, including the royal institution.
While acknowledging the public's active participation in the information ecosystem via technology, Dr. Mastura expressed concerns over the misuse by some social media users. She emphasized the importance of strengthening media and digital literacy to encourage responsible and factual technology use.
Dr. Mastura also highlighted the need for community involvement in the media as contributors of information, assisting in verification processes to broaden perspectives and enhance trust. She called for serious attention to the welfare of media practitioners in Malaysia, who face time pressures and safety risks in their roles.
She suggested that Malaysia, as the 2025 ASEAN Chairman, could learn from other ASEAN countries that support media practitioners' welfare. Dr. Mastura urged the Malaysian Media Council to develop a comprehensive welfare framework, including guidelines, benefits, and recognition for journalists.
Highlighting the evolving nature of media delivery from print to digital, Dr. Mastura asserted that the media's fundamental role remains vital to national development, community progress, and democratic integrity.
In conjunction with National Journalists' Day (HAWANA) 2025, Dr. Mastura hopes the event will reshape the future of Malaysian journalism beyond content and technology, focusing on values, ethics, and social roles. Themed "Journalism in the New Era: Embracing AI, Safeguarding Ethics," the celebration begins today with the HAWANA 2025 Carnival at Sunway Putra Mall, officiated by the deputy secretary-general (Telecommunication Infrastructure) of the Ministry of Communications, Mano Verabathran. The main event, officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, will be held at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur and is expected to attract around 1,000 media personnel.