Announced at the communications ministry in Putrajaya, the government review marks the first time the code has been updated in the 35 years since its development by the Malaysian Press Institute in 1989. Minister Fadzil said the amendments made served to reflect changes to the industry’s landscape, including the rise of digital and social media and efforts to combat defamation and misinformation.
Developed by Malaysia’s Information Department (JaPen), the code contains a number of provisions surrounding the dissemination and verification of content, transparency, journalist upskilling, and compliance with ‘established standards’, applying to both local and foreign media.
Several press freedom groups have criticised the changes as open to government interpretation, including its provisions relating to privacy and confidentiality that could be arbitrarily used to force journalists to reveal their sources if being investigated by authorities. Concerns have also been raised at the move by JaPen to use the code as a guide in the management of the country’s media accreditation cards. All media practitioners will now be required to adhere to the new code in order to receive certification.
Gerakan Media Merdeka (Geramm), a coalition of media practitioners and supporters of press freedom in Malaysia, said in a statement, “The code should be developed and overseen by the media practitioners themselves. This ensures that media freedom is guaranteed, and the media industries can operate without unwanted political interference.”
According to Geramm, the code’s launch materials mentioned consultation with various media stakeholders, including the interim Malaysia Media Council (MMC), despite the body not yet being formed. The MMC’s establishment has been long delayed since the government agreed to its formation in 2019. The council, which will be formed of media professionals, will allow the industry to regulate its own members and has been a longstanding, critical demand from the Malaysian media industry.
IFJ is currently in Malaysia discussing the future and sustainability of Malaysia’s media and affirmed its position that a strong media into the future is not one based on control.
The NUJM said: “NUJM welcomes the ministry's efforts to update the said code of ethics to reflect the modern era of social media, but we reiterate the importance of establishing the media council to provide independence for the media industry.”
The IFJ said: “The Malaysian government’s revisions to the journalist code of ethics are a fundamental misunderstanding of respect for democracy and a free media. It is not the state’s role to be arbiters on media and this seems just another way to control which media can report on government issues. This runs counter to the government’s continued promises and commitments, as well as the entire notion set internationally for functioning media councils acting independently of government. The most urgent priority now is the promised media council, not more regulation.”