The Communications Ministry through the Information Department has launched the “Malaysian Code of Ethics for Journalists” as a guideline for media practitioners to carry out their duties in a much more professional manner.

The guidelines in this dossier outlines eight fundamental ethics to promote the professionalism and integrity of the media and underscore the responsibilities and standards expected from journalists in the country.

These include being the voice of a plural society, being transparent and having integrity, fairness in conveying information, validating and ensuring the accuracy of information, having no personal interests and protecting the confidentiality of sources.

Other secondary requirements of journalists outlined by the Communications Ministry include having an understanding of the laws of the country and policies relevant to the journalistic profession.

The Information Department has so far this year recorded a total of 9,750 media staff holding accreditation cards, representing 152 media agencies, of which four are official government media agencies.

These accreditation cards serve as identity documents for media staff affiliated to registered agencies and also includes 38 local organisations, 60 online firms and 50 international entities currently operating nationwide.

-THE MALAYSIA VOICE