Kuala lumpur: Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) chairman Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai believes the newly established Malaysian Media Council (MMC) will be able to set new benchmarks for the country’s media industry, with the support of veteran journalists and media professionals.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the National Journalism Laureate said experienced journalists, including veterans like himself, are ready to offer guidance and advisory input to help the council strengthen ethical and responsible journalism. Wong noted that although the MMC will face situations it has not encountered before, the experience of journalists and professionals involved in management will ensure these challenges are well-handled.
Wong was commenting on the successful inaugural Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the council held on Friday, which marked a significant milestone in efforts to strengthen the nation’s media institutions. The AGM saw the election of 12 council members representing media companies, journalists, media associations, the public, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
Wong further described the establishment of the council as a major step forward for Malaysia’s media landscape, indicating the industry’s readiness to self-regulate and uphold professional standards. He emphasized the importance of this initiative not only for journalism but for Malaysia as a whole, as it signifies a new phase of accountability and autonomy for local media practitioners.
He praised the inclusivity reflected in the composition of the council, highlighting the representation from both Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah and Sarawak, along with balanced gender representation. Wong expressed confidence in the credibility and integrity of the elected council members, whom he described as committed to advancing the industry.
Wong called on the public and the wider media fraternity to give the council time and space to fulfill its responsibilities, considering that the members are still managing their professional duties while building the institution. He acknowledged the challenges faced by the media industry in sustaining revenue and operations, compounded by the new responsibilities taken on by the council members.
Those elected under the media company category include former interim MMC chairman C. Premesh, New Straits Times Group Editor Farrah Naz Abd Karim, Star Media Group Berhad Chief Content Officer Datin Paduka Esther Ng Sek Yee, and The Borneo Post and Utusan Borneo General Manager Wong Yang Yong. The journalists and associations category includes Mohamad Fauzi Ishak, Mariah Airens Doksil, Mohd Ishak Abdillah Ngan, and Adie Suri Zulkefli, while Zaharom Nain, Terence Ooi Guan Tseng, Cynthia Lorraine Silva, and Medina Mahmood were elected under the public and NGO category.