JOURNALISTS must have an ethical responsibility to report the truth and not the other way round, says Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
Chow said this is important because what they do can have far and wide ramifications in many circumstances, especially in the election.
“I have emphasised this before and I will emphasise it again. A strong and healthy democracy relies on voters that have access to reliable, unbiased, and independent information.
“In Malaysia, this information is largely collected, analysed, and disseminated by journalists and their newsrooms.
“Therefore, to say that journalists must have an ethical responsibility to report the truth is not an overstatement.
“After all, voters who are provided with quality information are better empowered to formulate their own opinions and engage in public discussions more effectively and relevantly,” Chow said in his speech during the closing ceremony of TechCamp Malaysia 2022: ‘Smart Journalism, Healthy Democracy’ at Golden Sands Resort in Batu Ferringhi today.
Also present were United States ambassador to Malaysia Brian D. McFeeters and Penang Institute executive director Datuk Dr Ooi Kee Beng.
Chow cited an example of the 1MDB case that involved former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
“The 1MDB scandal first made headlines in The Wall Street Journal and Sarawak Report.
“And due to public pressure and indignation, it eventually led to numerous investigations, both domestic and international, and ended with criminal charges for the former prime minister and the defeat of the Barisan Nasional coalition in the 14th General Election (GE14), which had until then enjoyed an uninterrupted reign over the country since Independence.
“This happens when the media is critical in scrutinising governmental affairs and policies, in exposing excesses and corruption in the corridors of power, and in holding those in power accountable to the public.
“In election campaigns, the media should focus on the track records of candidates and fact-check their policies and pronouncements so that voters can choose the best person and party to represent their interests,” he said.
Chow also stressed that nowadays, information is power.
“A democracy where the people lack access to impartial, evidence-based, and accurate information is a democracy where the people are disempowered.
“Therefore, understanding the mechanics of misinformation and disinformation, and their connections with the shaping of public opinion is a vital challenge for our democracy.
“It is a challenge that all of us, the politicians, ordinary citizens, and the media, should undertake together,” he added.
Speaking about the programme, Dr Ooi said TechCamp Malaysia 2022: ‘Smart Journalism, Healthy Democracy’ was organised by the Penang Institute and supported by the US Embassy in Kuala Lumpur.
“It is a three-day programme that started from March 24 to 26.
“TechCamp Malaysia 2022 aims to provide emerging and mid-career journalists with the digital skills and tools to counter disinformation, particularly in the field of political and electoral reporting.
“Throughout the three-day programme, 33 participants from various newsrooms in the country engaged with speakers and industry experts from the United States, Malaysia and the Asian region.
“The programme covered training on topics like fact-checking, data visualisation, social media for political reporting and many more.
“And on the final day of the programme which is today, the participants have the opportunity to pitch their solutions to countering disinformation and apply for grants up to US$ 5,000 to turn their ideas into action,” he said.
Meanwhile, Chow thanked the Penang Institute for organising the meaningful event and also the US Embassy in Kuala Lumpur for the support given.
“I am sure this TechCamp could not have been so successful without all the hard work, dedication, and effort from everyone working behind the scenes.
“And I hope that all of you, including the participants and trainers, have learned invaluable things from this workshop. Most importantly, you had fun and made new friends,” he said.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Chan Kok Kuan
Video by Alissala Thian