SEGAMAT MP LAUDS FAHMI'S INITIATIVE, HOPES FOR SIMILAR MEETING WITH VERNACULAR MEDIA

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 20 (Bernama) -- Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil’s initiative to engage directly with media practitioners and industry representatives is a commendable step towards addressing the pressing concerns of salary delays, job loss, and the overall welfare of media personnel, said Segamat Member of Parliament R. Yuneswaran.

Expressing his strong support, he hopes Fahmi will also hold similar engagement sessions with representatives from Tamil and Chinese news organisations to better understand their specific struggles. 

“Ensuring the inclusivity of all media sectors is crucial in strengthening Malaysia’s diverse media landscape.

“By taking this issue seriously and working towards long-term solutions, I believe Fahmi’s initiative sets an encouraging precedent for protecting press freedom, safeguarding workers’ rights and ensuring the sustainability of journalism in Malaysia,” he said in a statement today.

The Communications Minister met with about 30 representatives from media organisations to discuss the welfare of media personnel at the Parliament Building, here yesterday.

Yuneswaran highlighted the recent revelation regarding Petra News employees who have yet to receive their rightful wages and statutory contributions, a situation that he described as deeply concerning.

“This situation highlights a growing problem within the industry, where some employers fail to meet their obligations, leaving media practitioners vulnerable,” he added.

Beyond Malay and English news organisations, he said it is also important to recognise the challenges faced by Tamil and Chinese news organisations, citing the forced shutdown of the oldest Tamil newspaper in Southeast Asia, Tamil Nesan, in 2019 after operating for 96 years since its establishment in 1924.

“Hence, similar to Tamil Nesan, the struggles faced by vernacular media, including financial constraints and readership shifts, deserve equal attention,” he said.

Yuneswaran said Fahmi’s commitment to holding regular engagement sessions reflects a proactive approach to safeguarding media professionals from unfair treatment while strengthening the industry’s resilience.

He also noted that the government’s support through initiatives like Tabung Kasih@HAWANA further underscores its commitment to assisting affected media workers in times of need.

-- BERNAMA