KUALA LUMPUR: Media groups expressed mixed opinions on the issuance of media cards, following the issue of validity adjustment.
The National Union of Journalists Malaysia (NUJM) reiterated its stance of maintaining the two-year validity period for all media practitioners.
This, its general secretary Teh Athira Mohd Yusof said, is for the ease and sustainability of both sides of the fence.
She added that media agencies recognised by the government through the issuance of the Information Department (JaPen) media tags have been verified and vetted to receive such accreditation from the administration.
"The question of the difference in validity periods for media agencies remains, but we are hopeful the review of the standard operation procedure for the issuance of the media tags will provide a better explanation.
"The media tags have been recognised by government officials as a pass to enter official events," she said in a statement today (March 6).
While NUJM members have been granted access to most official events, Teh Athira pointed out that this does not guarantee access for others who carry the same JaPen-issued media tags.
"We hope the review will provide better access to all media to carry out their duties," she said.
She added that NUJM is also part of the process and discussions to form the National Media Council.
The union stands firm in calling for the government to expedite the formation of a media council to ensure a more independent media industry.
"By adopting the recommendations of the pro-tem committee to form the media council, the government would not be burdened with the duty to choose which media to accredit or otherwise."
Earlier today (March 6), Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said the issue of validity adjustment was still under consideration by JaPen.
Meanwhile, Centre for Independent Journalism executive director Wathshlah G. Naidu questioned the need for media accreditation cards, citing examples of countries like Indonesia and Thailand moving away from the practice.
"We need to reform the intention behind the media passes. If we are aiming for free and independent spaces for media, then the mere fact that they are media should allow them access to all different places," she said.
"The main reason why people are voicing concern is that often it becomes transparent how these media passes are issued, suspended or revoked."
She said it created a situation where whichever government is in power, if they are unhappy with the way a certain media company or journalist reports or are critical of them, then they can arbitrarily revoke access as there is no clarity on the procedures.
She said there should not be barriers to the media attending any official functions, press conferences of ministers or even parliament.
She added that media groups have been advocating for a media council for decades.
Naidu said it is important to establish a media council to develop a standardised code of conduct for all media members, facilitating self-regulation within the industry.
She urged the government to focus on fostering a progressive and open media environment that promotes journalistic freedom and integrity.
"We need to move away from thinking about how to restrict media, and focus on how to promote media and create a more conducive environment for media to flourish in."