New Media Framework Aims To Rebuild Public Trust And Reinforce Journalism

By Nurul Hanis Izmir

PUTRAJAYA, June 7 (Bernama) -- The new regulatory framework for Malaysia’s media industry, scheduled to be announced on June 14, seeks to encourage greater self-regulation and active engagement within the media community, with the primary objective of rebuilding public trust and reinforcing journalism’s vital role in nation-building.

Premesh Chandran, pro-tem chairman of the Malaysian Media Council (MMC), said that the framework forms part of a wider initiative to advance freedom of the press while ensuring accountability through a comprehensive code of ethics and inclusive governance.

“The framework is anchored in the Media Council Bill that was recently passed in Parliament and is expected to be announced during the National Journalists’ Day (HAWANA) celebration, next Saturday," he told Bernama recently.

On Tuesday, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said the developments regarding the MMC are expected to be announced during the HAWANA 2025 celebration on June 14.

Premesh explained that the council unites three key sectors: media owners, media professionals—including editors and journalists—and other stakeholders such as academics, civil society and consumer groups. This inclusive structure enables a comprehensive, holistic perspective on the industry and its future.

He highlighted the council’s core functions: advising the government, recommending media law reforms, and developing a code of ethics to promote professionalism and sustainability within the industry.

Premesh explained that, unlike existing laws such as the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984 and the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, the new framework adopts a more consultative approach, prioritising incentives over punitive measures.

“To promote media freedom, the council aims to lessen dependence on outdated regulatory laws while simultaneously strengthening ethical standards and promoting responsible journalism,” he said.

Under the new approach, Premesh said, media outlets that adhere to the council’s code of ethics would receive access to grants and other benefits as part of a shift from control-based policies to incentive-based support.

He added that the council’s establishment and the new framework arrive at a critical moment, as the media landscape grapples with digital disruption, misinformation and eroding public trust.

“Our ultimate goal is to ensure a resilient, ethical and independent media ecosystem. By empowering the industry to self-regulate and collaborate, we believe that we can restore credibility and strengthen the media’s role in our democracy,” he emphasised.

Meanwhile, Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) deputy managing director Datuk Zurkarnain Mohd Yasin said that while the regulatory framework presents a valuable opportunity to enhance oversight and promote shared standards, implementation gaps must not be ignored.

“We see it as an opportunity for better and inclusive regulatory oversight and also a platform to bring industry players on board to co-create regulations they can adhere to and implement,” he said.

Zurkarnain noted that this highlights a deeper issue: rules alone are insufficient without effective enforcement and widespread public awareness.

He emphasised that raising awareness of digital risks, particularly among parents, children, and policymakers, is just as important as drafting regulations and must be integrated into the broader framework.

Addressing potential overlaps between the MCMC and MMC, particularly in content regulation and complaints handling, Zurkarnain stressed that collaboration and harmonisation are essential to prevent duplication.

“We don’t see it as a conflict. We see ourselves as a platform for co-creation. The essence of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 is self-regulation, and that remains central,” he said.

Zurkarnain said the MCMC, the Communications and Multimedia Content Forum of Malaysia (CMCF) and relevant stakeholders had jointly developed the Content Code—a set of content standards for media practitioners, platform providers, broadcasters and public reference.

The code aligns with existing regulations to ensure consistency while embedding ethical principles throughout.

“We don’t want two separate codes that could lead to confusion. The focus should be on harmonising standards and aligning our ethics framework,” he said, adding that the media council should not be viewed as a competing body, but rather as a partner in elevating the industry, one that requires trust, collaboration and clear delineation of enforcement responsibilities.

HAWANA 2025, themed Journalism in the New Era: Embracing AI, Safeguarding Ethics, will take place at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur from June 13 to 15. The main celebration, on June 14, will be officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Organised by the Communications Ministry with Bernama as the implementing agency, it is expected to draw over 1,000 local and foreign media practitioners. 

-- BERNAMA