KUALA LUMPUR, October 15 2026, Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil has urged media practitioners to uphold accuracy, fairness and responsible journalism, particularly when reporting on matters that could affect an individual’s reputation.
He said journalists should not allow the pressure to publish news quickly to compromise the principles of balanced reporting, including the need to obtain responses from all parties involved.
Fahmi emphasised that providing proper context, verifying facts and ensuring fairness were more important than being the first to break a story.
“When reporting on any issue, particularly one involving someone’s reputation, both sides must be heard before publication,” he said in a video shared on his official Facebook account today.
He explained that a recent viral post involving national track cycling coach John Beasley and national cyclist Datuk Mohd Azizulhasni Awang had prompted him to highlight the importance of responsible reporting.
Fahmi stressed that individuals mentioned in news reports should be given a reasonable opportunity to respond and clarify their positions before a story is published.
He encouraged journalists to make the effort to contact the parties concerned through available communication channels, including text messages, WhatsApp or telephone calls.
“If a party chooses not to comment, that should be clearly stated in the report,” he said.
The minister also expressed his appreciation for the commitment and contributions of Malaysian athletes, coaches and members of the sporting community who continue to represent and serve the country.
He thanked the nation’s athletes and sports fraternity for their dedication and efforts on behalf of Malaysia.
-BERNAMA
