Kuala Lumpur: The founding board of the Malaysia Media Council (MMC) is anticipated to be formed by the time the National Journalists’ Day (HAWANA) 2025 is celebrated in June, as stated by Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Fahmi, who also serves as the spokesman for the MADANI Government, announced that the Malaysia Media Council Bill 2024 was passed in the Dewan Negara today. This event marks a significant step towards creating a more democratic, free, and ethical media landscape in Malaysia.

The next steps involve obtaining royal assent from His Majesty the King before the bill comes into effect. Fahmi expressed confidence that by HAWANA 2025, the founding board of the MMC will be established, expediting the council’s formation process. He emphasized the importance of enhancing media credibility through the MMC’s high standards and governance.

Fahmi reaffirmed the MADANI Government’s dedication to empowering Malaysia’s media industry by safeguarding media freedom and ensuring responsible, accurate, and ethical information dissemination to the public.

The Bill, which was passed in the Dewan Rakyat on February 26, lays the groundwork for a self-regulatory body aimed at protecting media freedom and upholding journalistic ethics, contributing to the strengthening of Malaysia’s media industry.

This year’s HAWANA celebration in the federal capital will act as a platform for media organizations across ASEAN to strengthen ties and cooperation while addressing current media industry challenges. Media practitioners from ASEAN will be invited to participate in several programs in line with Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship this year.