Kuala lumpur: Media practitioners must place integrity and information accuracy as their core pillars in facing the challenges of artificial intelligence (AI) technology and the increasingly rampant influx of content from "citizen journalists."

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Universiti Malaya Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Senior Lecturer Dr. Muhammad Zaiamri Zainal Abidin emphasized that although speed is a priority in the digital era, journalistic ethics should not be sacrificed merely to chase "ratings." He noted that the main issue currently faced by the media is not about accuracy, but rather who is faster. Despite the pressure to deliver news quickly, he warned against compromising ethics, as this could erode public trust in the information delivered by the media.

Dr. Muhammad Zaiamri made these remarks as a guest on a programme produced by Bernama Radio, discussing the topic "Media with Integrity, the Core of Credibility" in conjunction with the National Journalists' Day (HAWANA) 2026 celebration. He highlighted the media's crucial role as a bridge between the government and the people, stressing that mainstream media must maintain credibility by championing the people's agenda and explaining government policies transparently.

He further elaborated that the media must play a role in bringing forward the voice of the people, addressing their grievances and issues. By effectively conveying both the government's voice and the people's concerns, the media can boost public trust.

Dr. Muhammad Zaiamri also urged the government to introduce more detailed guidelines regarding AI usage to help the editorial sector leverage the technology in strengthening news reporting. He advocated for the utilization of AI, describing it as an excellent tool that should not be wasted in reporting. Furthermore, he identified a need for more training schemes for journalists to enhance their skills, particularly in areas like data journalism.

Addressing the establishment of the Malaysian Media Council, Dr. Muhammad Zaiamri described it as an important step toward creating a more holistic system of checks and balances within the country's media industry. He expressed that the council could serve as a check and balance for any form of policy introduced, ensuring that media practices are not only transparent but also uphold greater integrity.