KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian Media Council (MMC) is set to play a central role in enforcing ethical journalism and strengthening public trust in the media, said Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil.
He said the council, established under the Malaysian Media Council Act 2025 [Act 868], will act as a self-regulatory body to ensure that freedom of the press is balanced with responsibility and professionalism.
“Media freedom remains a cornerstone of democracy under the MADANI Government, but it must be accompanied by accountability and adherence to professional ethics,” Fahmi said.
Fahmi was responding in a written reply to Simpang Renggam MP Datuk Seri Ir. Hasni Mohammad, who had asked about the measures taken or planned by the government to protect its image amid claims that it cannot control the media from tarnishing the reputation of government leaders and the administration.
Meanwhile, the council officially came into effect following the enforcement of Act 868 on June 14, 2025, and held its inaugural Annual General Meeting (AGM) on November 7. During the meeting, the council adopted its Code of Conduct and Complaints Mechanism, paving the way for a more transparent and accountable media landscape.
Fahmi said the new mechanism allows the MMC to take disciplinary action against its members who breach the council’s ethical code or related guidelines, ensuring that public complaints can be addressed fairly and effectively.
“This mechanism empowers the industry to uphold its own standards. It’s not about government control but it’s about restoring public confidence through credible, responsible journalism,” he said.
The MMC comprises three categories of membership:
Category A: Media organisations and companies
Category B: Media practitioners and freelance journalists
Category C: Members of the public, including NGOs
Half of the appointed council members are women, a milestone Fahmi described as “a reflection of diversity and balance in Malaysia’s evolving media environment.”
He said the establishment of the council marks a “turning point” for Malaysia’s media industry, shifting the focus from government regulation to industry-led accountability.
“The principle of ‘of the media, by the media, for the media’ ensures that journalists themselves set and enforce the standards that guide their profession,” he added.
Fahmi said the government would continue to support the council’s efforts to strengthen journalistic integrity and to ensure that information shared with the public remains accurate, balanced, and free from misinformation.
“This is about building trust between the media, the government, and the people,” he said. - November 12, 2025
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