Kuala Lumpur: Media practitioners serve as strategic partners to the government, playing a crucial role in building public understanding, fostering unity, and strengthening confidence in the MADANI Government's direction and policies, says Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa. Speaking at the 2025 Semarak Aidilfitri Gathering with Media Partners here tonight, Dr Zaliha emphasised that in an increasingly complex world with boundless information and competition in both the virtual and physical spheres, the role of the media had become even more significant.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Dr Zaliha stated that every report, article, or broadcast across any platform shapes public perception of the policies and agendas implemented by the government. She stressed that media professionals are not merely third-party observers but active contributors in shaping public understanding, nurturing unity, and reinforcing trust in the MADANI Government's vision and actions. Also present at the event was Bernama chief executive officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin.
Dr Zaliha highlighted recent government initiatives such as preserving Kuala Lumpur's heritage through Warisan KL, developing Labuan as a smart island, and enhancing Putrajaya as a smart city. She noted that public comprehension of these efforts heavily relies on how the media frames and communicates them. In today's post-truth communication landscape, the government faces significant challenges as misinformation and disinformation can distort narratives and create public confusion.
Citing examples, Dr Zaliha mentioned the influence of artificial intelligence (AI) in spreading narratives that claim the Malay community is being marginalised in urban redevelopment projects. She clarified that these redevelopment projects are in-situ, emphasizing that in Kampung Sungai Baru, nearly 70 per cent of the residents who agreed to the project are Malays, and they will be resettled on their own land.
Dr Zaliha also called upon media professionals to collaborate in addressing legacy issues, including the development of Kampung Sungai Baru and the revitalisation of Pasar Datuk Keramat.