Why did Media Council not speak up over Nga Kor Ming?

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The Malaysian Media Council Has Yet to Clarify its Stance on Minister Nga Kor Ming's Conduct

The Malaysian Media Council has not publicly addressed or taken a stance regarding minister Nga Kor Ming's interaction with a journalist, a situation that has raised concerns about potential political interference in news coverage. This reticence is particularly noted given the council's recent legislative passage and its impending annual general meeting.
Delays in Council Responsiveness and Legislative Progress

The Malaysian Media Council's formation has been a protracted process, with calls for its establishment spanning five decades. Although the enabling bill successfully passed both the Dewan Rakyat in February and the Dewan Negara in March, the subsequent actions and public pronouncements from the protem committee, led by Malaysiakini's founding CEO Premesh Chandran, have been perceived as slow. This lack of swift response is exemplified by the silence surrounding an incident where Minister Nga Kor Ming reportedly behaved inappropriately when questioned by a journalist. Such behaviour from political figures has historically been seen to influence and potentially stifle objective news reporting.
Lack of Proactive Engagement and Communication from Protem Committee

With the media council's annual general meeting scheduled for November 7, there is a notable absence of proactive engagement from the protem committee. It is questioned why the committee has not undertaken initiatives such as visiting newsrooms to provide explanations and talks, or conducting online briefings to inform the media fraternity. Furthermore, the initial deadline for membership applications was missed, and there remains a significant lack of clarity regarding the number of media professionals represented.
Ambiguity Surrounding Membership Criteria and Representation

Critical details concerning the criteria for membership and the established voting mechanisms have been poorly communicated to the public and media professionals. There is a perception that the current protem council's composition may be disproportionately favouring certain segments of the media over mainstream outlets. This lack of transparency fuels speculation as to why such information has not been more widely disseminated, particularly in light of the significant transformations occurring within the media landscape.
The Evolving Media Industry and Worker Welfare

The media industry is undergoing continuous evolution, leading to substantial job cuts and an increasing precariousness for media workers. In this context, the establishment of a media council is seen as crucial for representing the interests and advocating for the welfare of these professionals during these challenging and transitional times. The paramount importance of safeguarding the well-being of individuals within the media industry is a key expectation from the council's future operations.

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Why did Media Council not speak up over Nga Kor Ming?

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