KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian Media Council Bill, which is expected to be tabled in Parliament in March next year, will, among other things, include a grievance mechanism to enable any party to lodge complaints to the council on their dissatisfaction towards any news, the Dewan Rakyat was told today.
Deputy Communications and Digital Minister Teo Nie Ching said the Malaysian Media Council could establish a committee to examine the complaints and make a decision on whether the news report violated journalistic ethics or not.
“With the Malaysian Media Council, we can have more responsible media practitioners and one body as an authority to decide whether an article is ethical or unethical or just using clickbait headlines to invoke an emotional reaction in readers,” she said.
She was replying to a question from Wong Shu Qi (PH-Kluang) regarding the role of the council.
Asked on its current status, Teo said the ministry was scrutinising and finalising the content of the bill by holding a series of discussions with the protem committee.
“The discussion sessions are being conducted to ensure that the provisions agreed in the content of the Malaysian Media Council Bill are clear and reach consensus among all parties.
“Among the matters that need to be agreed upon are the definitions that will be included in this bill, the enforcement powers of the Malaysian Media Council and several other issues,” said Teo.
She added that the council would also play a role of improving media literacy among the community. – November 15, 2023