GKMM EYES COLLABORATION WITH MEDIA COUNCIL TO PROTECT JOURNALISTS’ WELFARE
JOHOR BAHRU, June 9 (Bernama) -- Gabungan Kelab Media Malaysia (GKMM) is ready to collaborate with the Malaysian Media Council (MMC) to uphold and safeguard media freedom in the country.
GKMM president Mohamad Fauzi Ishak said the alliance, which represents 14 media clubs nationwide, including in Sabah and Sarawak, hopes the Communications Ministry will hold engagements to clarify how the MMC will comprehensively carry out its roles and functions.
He said this would ensure the voices and welfare of grassroots media practitioners are considered in policies and initiatives related to the media industry.
“I see a need and opportunity for GKMM to forge cooperation with the MMC, especially if both share similar objectives and responsibilities.
“Therefore, GKMM is optimistic about collaborating with relevant parties to protect the rights and welfare of media practitioners nationwide,” he told Bernama here today.
Speaking after appearing on Bernama Radio’s ‘Jendela Fikir: HAWANA 2025 Edition – From Journalists, For Journalists’ programme today, Mohamad Fauzi said Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil’s announcement regarding the MMC was eagerly anticipated by the alliance.
Fahmi had previously stated that the MMC’s establishment aims to develop and implement a code of ethics for reporting to strengthen the journalism profession and ensure responsible news reporting by the media.
He said further developments regarding the council are expected to be announced during the National Journalists’ Day (HAWANA) 2025 main celebration on June 14.
Mohamad Fauzi said GKMM remains committed to supporting efforts to enhance professionalism and integrity among media practitioners, who also play a role in educating the public.
“Like teachers, we educate society to be knowledgeable through accurate reporting. Therefore, media practitioners must be professional, uphold integrity, deliver accurate and authentic information and adhere to journalistic ethics and principles,” he said.
However, he noted that media practitioners under GKMM’s affiliated clubs face certain challenges, among others, in obtaining information from primary sources, ensuring the accuracy and speed of information dissemination amidst current technological advancements and addressing welfare issues for both active and retired media practitioners.
“Reporting styles have also changed. Previously, mobile journalism didn’t exist, but now our journalists are moving in that direction. I don’t see these as pressing challenges but rather as transformations and revolutions in the industry that we must accept and adapt to.
“Similarly, technologies like artificial intelligence, such as ChatGPT, should be leveraged and adapted for daily tasks. Continuous exposure and training are necessary to ensure journalism keeps pace with rapid technological advancements,” he said.
Mohamad Fauzi said over 100 media practitioners under GKMM are expected to enliven the HAWANA 2025 celebration, scheduled to take place at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTC KL) from June 13 to 15, and which will be officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
--BERNAMA
