Media, bulwark of facts, bridge between people and govt

New Straits Times

13-06-2025

PUTRAJAYA: The explosion of information without borders has made the media not just a news provider, but a bulwark to ward off false information that can threaten stability, as well as functioning as a check and balance mechanism on government policies.
Highlighting the role of the media as the fourth pillar or fourth estate in democracy, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) Institute of Social Science Studies researcher Dr Mastura Mahamed said the media is like a "watchdog" and a bridge with institutions to ensure integrity, accountability and that the people's voices continue to be heard.
"Journalists need to be given space, trust and protection to carry out their duties freely, safely and with dignity.
"Only in this way can we build a media ecosystem that is functional, ethical and contributes to the building of civilization," she told Bernama.
Mastura, who is also a senior lecturer at the Faculty of Modern Languages ​​and Communication, UPM, said many people who do not have a journalism background still tend to blame the media when an issue arises, without fully understanding the true function of the media in democracy.
In this regard, she proposed a collaborative approach involving higher education institutions, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), the media industry and the community to educate the public on the important role of the media.
"This is not about giving praise to the media, but building an understanding that the media plays an important role as a check and balance in the national system in conveying the voice of the people, explaining government policies and clarifying communication between the people and the national leadership including the royal institution," she said.
Mastura also celebrated the public's participation in the information ecosystem through the use of technology, but there are concerns about the risk of misuse by a few members of the social media who used fake identities and interacted unethically.
"Therefore, efforts to strengthen media and digital literacy are important so that society can use technology prudently, responsibly and factually," she said.
Besides, she added that the media also needs to involve the community as contributors of information, not just as passive viewers, to assist in the verification process, broaden perspectives and enhance trust in the reports presented.
Mastura also called for the welfare of media practitioners to be given serious attention, given that every year thousands of journalists in Malaysia work under time pressure, safety risks with high social responsibilities, but are rarely given public recognition.
In this regard, she suggested that Malaysia as the 2025 Asean Chairman examines the models of other Asean countries that provide space for media practitioners to voice their welfare.
"This is where the important role of the Malaysian Media Council is to formulate a comprehensive welfare framework including guidelines, minimum benefits and recognition of the role of independent and organised journalists," she said, suggesting that the journalism community be built in a spirit of support and not just competition.
Therefore, retraining and skill enhancement such as data journalism, the use of technology and reporting ethics should be provided to ensure that the field of journalism continues to develop competitively and professionally, said Mastura.
She said that although the method of media delivery has changed from print to digital, radio broadcasts to podcasts, the basic function of the media will not fade with time, but will remain the backbone of national development, a catalyst for community progress and a guardian of the integrity of the democratic system.
In conjunction with National Journalists' Day (Hawana) 2025, Mastura hopes that it will become a stage to reshape the future of journalism in Malaysia beyond content and technology aspects by encompassing its values, ethics and social role.
Themed "Journalism in the New Era: Embracing AI,
Safeguarding Ethics", this year's celebration begins tomorrow with the Hawana 2025 Carnival from 10am to 10pm and it will be officiated by the deputy secretary-general (Telecommunication Infrastructure) of the Ministry of Communications Mano Verabathran at 3pm at Sunway Putra Mall foyer.