Malaysia to Establish New Media Council to Uphold Freedom and Accountability

Malaysia to Announce New Media Council: Minister Fahmi Fadzil Highlights Key Objectives Kuala Lumpur, June 3, 2025 – Malaysia is set to announce the formation of a new Media Council at the culmination of National Journalists' Day (HAWANA 2025) on June 14th. This announcement follows recent discussions on media freedom and accountability. Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil stated, "The Malaysian Media Council will be established with the mission of upholding media freedom, ensuring fair and responsible reporting, and acting as a public grievance channel." This initiative aims to address concerns about media practices in the digital age. The HAWANA 2025 event itself is themed around "Journalism in the New Era: Balancing AI and Ethics." It is expected to draw over a thousand media professionals from both within and outside Malaysia. The event will also witness the launch of a mobile studio, a first for Malaysia, demonstrating the government's commitment to modernizing media operations. Minister Fadzil expressed confidence that the Media Council and other industry advancements will create a strong foundation for the future of Malaysian media. This new council represents a significant step towards a more transparent and accountable media landscape in Malaysia.