KUCHING: Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) considers the media as “friends and supporters” of human rights in the country.
Speaking at a dinner with the media recently, its chairman Tan Sri Hasmy Agam said the media’s role was to serve as a form of “check and balance” to ensure good governance in a democratic country.
“The roles and responsibilities of the media are most challenging, especially with all the red tapes and laws.”
He said numerous pleas had been made to revise those laws and bills which constraint human rights, such as the Internal Security Act (ISA) and the Official Secrets, 1972.
“We, in Suhakam, believe that the media should be free to play their role as professionals and make reports without fear or favour.”
On another note, Hasmy said the media should disseminate reports based on facts and ethics to ensure that peace and harmony continue to prevail as Malaysia is a multi-ethnic country.
Also present at the dinner was RTM director Abdul Jalani Mahmud and State Information director Resat Salleh.