GOVT AND MEDIA MUST WORK AS A TEAM, SAYS ANIFAH

KUALA LUMPUR, June 16 (Bernama) -- The government and media in this country
must strive towards working as a team as it will open doors for the government
to reach out to the people, said Foreign Minister Anifah Aman.

He said the government would not be able to function well if it and the
media were antagonistic towards each other.

"A symbiotic relationship is the only way forward; government and media
working as a team. No, we do not want the media to be "ya-sayers", on the
contrary, we want the media to be incisive, critical, argumentative and
objective.

"In this way, the people can see the cards on the table, the issues, the
problems and give their views and opinions to find solutions. The media will
ultimately be our conduit, a channel for clear and open communication between
the administration and the people," he said in his speech at the ministry's
Media Night here Monday.

Anifah said Malaysia's media, be it electronic or print must be
congratulated for being able to hold sway against the global media giants.

"Indeed its vital role in the growth and development of the nation deems
that it is able to impart news and information to the people expeditiously and
effectively.

"It is to prevent the stereotyping and modifications of news from the
developing and less developed countries in Africa, Asia or Latin America by the
Western media that the local media presents balanced and accurate accounts of
events in the country," he said.

He also said the Malaysian media cannot allow itself to be subsumed by the
international commercial media system.

In fact the changing economic circumstances of many developing countries
including Malaysia, gave it more more say in how we are potrayed, how our
cultures and issues are analysed and having our voices heard more loudly, he
said.

"The media has a role in safeguarding the national interest so it does not
become the tool of other countries' interests. Hence, it should not be skewed to
listening only to the foreign angle to a domestic issue.

"Reports and analyses based only on other countries' opinions and views
should not occur. The information conveyed should be objective and fair for the
benefit of the public," he said.

He said Malaysia's media interests nowadays were more tuned to serve a
well-educated,worldly and internet-savvy generation of Malaysians.

"So we see a media that is confident and willing to discuss "taboo" subjects
and political issues and question the behaviour of public personalities.

"Notably, the language used is reflective of our Asian values, respectful of
our leaders although there is disagreement; critical, skeptical, not cynical,"
he said.

Anifah was also presented a mock cheque for the Palestine Humanitarian Trust
Fund worth RM115,053.10 donated by Angkatan Koperasi Kebangsaan Malaysia Bhd
(Angkasa) at the ceremony. (US$1=RM3.50)
-- BERNAMA