SIBU: The Malaysian Media Council Bill, passed on February 26, is expected to have a significant impact on journalism and public discourse.
Irene Wong, Special Assistant to Sibu Member of Parliament, Oscar Ling Chai Yew, highlighted that the widespread use of social media has accelerated information dissemination.
“However, this has also fuelled the rapid spread of false information, misleading the public, causing unnecessary panic, and eroding trust in both the media and the MADANI Government.
“The rise of click-bait headlines, which attract readers with sensationalised yet misleading or false content, has further contributed to misinformation,” she said in a statement yesterday.
Wong also noted that social media platforms are rife with malicious comments, leading to cyber-bullying and discouraging healthy public discourse.
This negativity, she observed, has even driven some young users away from platforms like Facebook.
Additionally, she warned that extremist groups and political figures have exploited racial and religious issues to incite unrest, threaten national peace, and deepen societal divisions.
She emphasised that the Media Council Bill aims to curb misinformation and regulate online speech, fostering a safer digital space.
The government will now have the authority to investigate news reports based on public complaints, ensuring information accuracy and providing more efficient access to real-time news.
Moreover, Wong said that the Bill establishes a more professional and transparent regulatory framework, reinforcing truthfulness and fairness in journalism while strengthening public trust in the media.
She clarified that the Bill does not restrict press freedom but instead grants greater autonomy to media organisations.
Media oversight will be conducted by neutral industry experts and professionals rather than by the government.
She also said that no legislators, political figures, party members or government officials will be allowed to serve as the council’s chairperson, adding that this provision prevents political interference and ensures unbiased reporting.
She added that this safeguard will protect young people, particularly first-time voters, from being misled by biased media narratives, encouraging rational decision-making instead of blind trend-following.
Furthermore, Wong praised the Bill’s board composition requirements, which mandates at least one female representative on the council’s board, promoting women’s participation in governance.
She also highlighted that the Bill requires board representation from Sarawak and Sabah, reflecting the MADANI Government’s commitment to East Malaysia and ensuring that its residents actively participate in media oversight rather than being mere spectators.
She pointed out that the Bill aligns with the government’s vision of fostering diversity across language, race, region and gender.
“Overall, this reform marks a major step toward a more responsible and independent media environment. While safeguarding freedom of speech, it also enhances protection against cyber-bullying and malicious attacks.
“At the same time, the Bill reflects the Madani Government’s commitment to modernisation, shaping a healthier and more diverse media landscape,” she added.
