PUTRAJAYA – The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission’s (MACC) officers must move away from outdated approaches when gathering and disseminating information, said its chief commissioner, Tan Sri Azam Baki.
As such, he also advised media practitioners to follow suit by venturing into social media, so that people who often use the platforms can obtain accurate information.
“I always advise my officers to get with the times by following current technological trends. We cannot be ‘takuk lama’ (outdated),” he said yesterday evening at MACC’s media awards night at the Pulse Grande Hotel.
“The importance of understanding information must be educated into society.” If they are left with incorrect information, we have indirectly educated them in a negative direction.”
Azam said this is because people of all backgrounds, including pensioners, have grown accustomed to using social media as platforms to receive information and news.
He also stressed the importance of strategic media usage vis-a-vis the rapid growth of technology, as a blunder in strategy could lead to confusion.
At the same time, Azam described the media as an important bridge between authorities and the people, allowing a two-way flow of information between them.
“The media’s power as the fourth pillar in a democracy (includes) monitoring, educating, warning, and even exposing wrongdoings in the government and society,” he said.
“Media power can create a good or negative perception, as well as divert or focus attention on an individual or issue.”
Thus, he said, it is vital to ensure that the power is exercised responsibly. – September 21, 2023