Kuala Lumpur: The amendment to the BERNAMA Act 1967 (Act 780), marking the first change since its original enactment, is seen as a crucial step in steering media and digital reforms, stated Datuk Kuik Cheng Kang, Group Editor-in-Chief of Media Chinese International Limited (MCIL) Malaysia and a Bernama board member.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Kuik emphasized the importance of high-quality news agencies like Bernama in maintaining journalistic integrity amidst today’s information chaos. He highlighted the challenges posed by the rampant spread of fake news, noting that the once-reliable adage ‘a picture is proof’ no longer holds true due to the ease with which images and videos can be manipulated through artificial intelligence (AI).
Kuik stressed the necessity for credible national news agencies to amend their laws to drive timely media and digital reforms. This sentiment was echoed by Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil, who tabled the second reading of the BERNAMA (Amendment) Bill 2024, explaining that the amendments aim to ensure a more dynamic composition aligned with current developments and industry needs.
The passage of the Malaysian Media Council (MMC) Bill 2024 further underscores Malaysia’s commitment to media freedom. Kuik expressed hope that the establishment of the MMC would enhance media freedom without imposing new restrictions through enforcement agencies. He acknowledged the increasing challenges faced by the media industry, emphasizing the need for reforms to bolster media credibility.
The Dewan Rakyat’s approval of the MMC Bill 2024 represents a historic milestone in Malaysia’s media landscape. Sinar Harian Group Editor-in-Chief Zamri Rambli, also a member of the Malaysian Press Institute (MPI) Administrative Council, remarked on the long journey to establish the Media Council, which faced numerous setbacks over the years. The formation of a pro tem committee in 2018 played a pivotal role in advancing the initiative.
Zamri expressed his support for the MMC Bill’s passage, underscoring the significance of this achievement for the media industry. He called for the MMC to set, regulate, and oversee media standards, practices, and reporting, while also addressing media funding, journalist welfare, and training.
The successful passage of the MMC Bill 2024 is attributed to the tireless efforts of the Communications Ministry, the pro tem committee, editors, and media NGOs who contributed to this historic development.