Media Freedom

Balanced Reporting Can Counter Internet Influence, Says Fu

KUANTAN, March 17 (Bernama) -- Keen competition in news gathering must abide by the journalism tenets to avoid sensitive issues from being highlighted, Internal Security Deputy Minister Datuk Fu Ah Kiow said.
Despite the challenges posed by the Internet, an information superhighway, the mainstream media must not waiver from giving the correct and accurate picture of an event or an incident to the people, he said.
He said journalists must adhere to provisions in the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984 and be responsible in discharging their duties.
"As the deputy minister responsible in enforcing the Act, sometimes I've to call up to remind the media concerned when sensitive issues are published.
"While some accepted the reprimand, others feel I am a super media editor," he said when speaking at a "dinner-with-the-media" here last night.
Fu said the media must practise balanced reporting unlike the Internet which had no specific guidelines.
"I hope the prevailing close government-media relations will be maintained for the good of both parties. I am willing to accept criticisms and comments from the media and the people, especially transparent and constructive ideas," he said.
The print and electronic media coverage could convey the message to the authorities in rectifying weaknesses in the civil service in line with the government's serious drive to improve the public delivery system, he added.

tunku : yes mr fu, sorry datuk fu, internet has no specific guidelines in reporting news but there's no black out news in internet, everything comes out whether you like it or not.It's up to people to judge it. i agree that we should be responsible what we reports and be extra careful with sensitive issues such as religions and races but should publish the correct and accurate picture of an event or an incident to the people.The government too not only says but must allow criticism against them publish in mainstream medias, not only compliments and spinning.