MEDIA HAVE BIG ROLE IN ENHANCING MALAYSIA-INDONESIA TIES, SAYS DR MAHATHIR

Kuala Lumpur, Dec 8 (Bernama) -- The media of Malaysia and Indonesia have a massive role to play in forging closer relations between the two countries and eliminating any suspicion between their peoples, former Malaysian prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad said Tuesay.

He said close bilateral relations could also help resolve any problem caused by either side before it incited anger in the people who read the news report on it.

"The media have a big role because they can influence the thinking and perception of people who read their reports.

"As such, I believe we (Malaysians and Indonesians) should maintain cordial relations so that the reports do not infringe on the sensitivities of the people of both countries," he said in his keynote address at the 2009 Malaysia-Indonesia Economic Seminar on the theme "Opportunities and Challenges from the Media and Business Perspective", here.

Dr Mahathir said he believed the media of both countries did not give importance only to the development of their respective agencies but were sensitive also to the bilateral relations.


"If the bilateral relations are good, the truth of a report can be determined. Good and harmonious relations, smooth communication and mutual understanding will also prevent undesirable elements which attempted to drive a wedge between the two countries," he said.

He suggested that gatherings and forums aimed at forging closer bilateral relations be held next year with the media of both countries invited to visit one another's media agencies.

"I am happy to see the presence of media from both countries. If they meet often, then any misunderstanding can be eliminated.

"When there is such close relationship, I am convinced that the people will also have a similar perception and will be comfortable visiting one another's countries," he said.