MALAYSIAN GOVT PLANS TO SET UP MEDIA CONSULTATIVE COUNCIL

KUALA LUMPUR, April 30 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian government plans to set up
the National Media Consultative Council which aimed at discussing matters
related the media harmoniously with the media.

Information Communication and Culture Minister Dr Rais Yatim said
the proposal, which would be worked out by his ministry and the Home Ministry,
would be tabled to the Cabinet this year.

He said both ministries were in the midst of discussing the formation of the
council.

"We will discuss matters related to media freedom and journalists'
responsibility in adhering to laws or regulations governing the media to enable
media freedom to be practiced positively.

"It culminates from the desire of the prime minister, who wants to see a
closer collaboration between the media and the government, particularly on the
dissemination of quality, accurate and creative news," Rais told reporters after
presenting the MPI-Petronas Journalism Awards 2011 here Friday night.


He said the council was also aimed at enhancing the professionalism of
journalist, which was regarded as a noble and honest career, and ensuring
publishing companies produced quality news reporting in accordance with
regulations for the well-being of the country.

"We have met the Malaysian Press Institute (MPI), mainstream media
practitioners and the new media to discuss the council's system and framework in
order to gather as many media practitioners in this country.

"Media practitioners in this council could discuss in a wider forum and work
hand in hand with the government," he said.

Rais said the council was expected to strengthen the adoption of high
journalistic ethics, and nurture social responsibility and national spirit among
media practitioners.