'Media Council not aimed at restricting press freedom'

The proposed establishment of the Malaysian Media Council (MMC) is not aimed at restricting the press, Deputy Communications and Multimedia Minister Eddin Syazlee Shith said today.

Instead, Eddin Syazlee said, the council is aimed at providing clear guidelines to media practitioners.

"Besides practising freedom of the press, we must also balance political stability and benefits to people.

"It is to avoid the country being affected by irresponsible things like the spread of fake news, that could affect the relations between the people," he told reporters in Kuala Pilah.

In commenting on the performance of all agencies under the Communications and Multimedia Ministry over the past year, Eddin Syazlee said he was thus far satisfied.

"Although there are some weaknesses identified, I believe that the end of a year, I can see the intensity and sincerity of all agencies under the ministry striving to translate the government's aspirations.

“It is a positive thing, even though we were reprimanded, we accept it openly and Insya Allah, I’m confident in the near future, we can improve as there is still room for us to improve,” he said.

Later, Eddin Syazlee joined the breaking of fast with about 200 people at the Kampung Parit Kariah Mosque.

He also presented contributions to 20 Asnaf recipients from around the village during the event.

- Bernama