Whilst journalists enjoy various sources of information, press releases, story ideas and requests for coverage, they have the moral and professional obligation to produce credible and newsworthy items.
Imagine my surprise when I read this article in The Malaysian Insider over HERE which reported that the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) operation review panel said the media should “protect” the anti-graft body in order to encourage foreign direct investment into the country.
Very interesting indeed! Behold, not only communications personnel but also economists have to revamp their perspective of the issue at hand! Perhaps mass communications students/practitioners might have to take up studies in economics to see how they can 'encourage' FDI's!!
Media personnel would be aware that some of the roles/functions of the MSM include:
- informing the public
- providing information and amusement
- generating political ideas
- mobilizing political and social action groups
- helping to shape the public policy agenda and priorities
- increasing political accountability and checks-and-balances by keeping an eye on public officials and institutions and constantly challenging them via reports, interviews, debates, etc.
- being a direct political actor, such as happened in the Watergate or Monica Lewinsky cases in the United States, when revelations by the press sparked political crises and legal actions
- revealing political actions or plans that impact on the political scene
- being an ombudsman
- etc...
So this NEW ROLE is quite startling.
The report says:
The Amanah Raya Berhad’s board director added that the press must help rebuild MACC’s image.I have yet to come across any statement from any of the main stream media in response to this statement. By Jove, does this mean that syllabus for many mass communications courses will have to be changed???
“What we do not want is the press criticising us and talking about the cases that we lose but we only get a small column for cases that we win like we have not done anything. If you love the country, then all of us must a play a role in rebuilding MACC’s image especially the press,” said the panel member.The panel’s chairman Tan Sri Hadenan Abdul Jalil added that the public must re-evaluate its commitment to the fight against corruption.
“It is a self-assessment. Malaysians must ask if they are really helping the government and the country to overcome corruption,” he said.
Food for thought.
If you have time, please check out Yellow Journalism HERE.
What are we teaching our children and the next generation? Will the MSM of Malaysia, political leaders, citizens at large and observers voice their feelings about this statement? Please leave a comment to share your thoughts. Thanks and have a lovely evening!
nick Sis,
Wah, now even MACC need someone to defend/protect them??? Does MACC expect another character like Intelligence Absconded (Ibrahim Ali to his friends) to set up yet another NGOK..err..NGO? What would be it's name I wonder? Would it be by any chance, PERASUAH (Pertubuhan Erat Rakan2 Suka Ufti dan hadiah)? or will it be called MACChicken (guaranteed more chicken than any other agency..err..patty)?
One things for sure Sis, we'll hear more "brilliant and innovative" ideas from these highly paid "iron pyrite" type of gomen servant in the near future. The recalcitrant Penang State Dev. officer is case in point!
GOD bless, Sis.
Nick.