Kuala Lumpur: The soon-to-be established Malaysian Media Council is set to provide an essential platform for addressing sensitive issues involving media organisations, according to Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil. Fahmi, who also serves as the MADANI Government spokesperson, highlighted the council’s role in handling incidents such as the recent case involving a Chinese-language daily that published an incomplete image of the national flag, the Jalur Gemilang.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Fahmi expressed hope that the formation of the media council would offer an effective means of managing such issues. He noted that until the council is operational, these matters will continue to be handled by the current authorities. He revealed that the deputy minister, Teo Nie Ching, and the ministry’s secretary-general, Datuk Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa, have already engaged with the management of the media outlet involved, and an investigation by the relevant authorities is underway.
The issue arose when the Chinese-language daily issued an apology for publishing a front-page image of the Jalur Gemilang missing the crescent moon emblem, attributing the mistake to a technical error. The Malaysian Media Council Bill 2024, which was passed by the Dewan Rakyat in February, represents a significant development after five decades of discussions. The bill aims to establish a self-regulatory body to protect the interests of the media and its practitioners.
In addition, Fahmi announced that the Tun Abdul Razak Broadcasting and Information Institute (IPPTAR) would host a briefing for all media organisations to ensure the proper use of the Jalur Gemilang in media content in accordance with official protocols. The briefing, anticipated to occur within the next two weeks, is intended to prevent incidents that could damage the image of the national flag. Fahmi emphasized that attendance is mandatory for all media practitioners, representatives with media accreditation cards, press secretaries, and corporate communications heads.