Syed Hamid opening the colloquium on "Media Policy in Malaysia"

Viewing this as a positive development, Home Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Syed Albar said the majority of people are turning to virtual news regardless of whether it is reliable or otherwise, and since this is the case, such news sources are now the mainstream media.

Speaking at a colloquium on "Media Policy in Malaysia" organised by the Asian Institute for Development Communication (AIDCOM) with the support of the Canadian High Commission today, he said even newspapers and the electronic media are trying hard to keep up with online news portals by having their own websites and have become bolder in their news reporting to remain competitive.

"Malaysia has become a very political society and this has given rise to the existence of hundreds of portals and sites. They contain lively discussions, many of which deal with political and public issues and the chat and talk-back format provides a forum for thousands of people who were unable to express themselves publicly in the past.

"The young, especially, prefer online news as they can express their opinions by posting their comments," he said.

However, he expressed concern that these news sites have become a conduit for the dissemination of a particular political leaning and breed racial sentiments and hate, adding that this was something all parties needed to seriously look into.

Syed Hamid said control of the media is crucial to keep the peace and prosperity of the country.

He noted that calls for absolute freedom of information and expression as part of human rights are getting louder and seeking it is a natural instinct, saying it is not unusual.

He said however the media should look deep into its conscience, observe its code of ethics and practise self-censorship on sensitive issues if they do not want the government "breathing down their necks".

Syed Hamid said a national media council will be established soon to identify the weaknesses in the media, besides finding ways for accurate reporting.

He said the idea of creating the council had already been brought up in the Cabinet and was well received.

"Various aspects needed to be addressed and a series of discussions is underway before we can formulate the policy. I believe it's a right platform at the right time to strengthen relations between the government and the media organisations," he said.

Syed Hamid said the media has a greater role to play at a time where the social unity is being tested to such a worrying stage until the Council of Rulers issued a statement last week calling for racial harmony and unity.

"Never has the Council of Rulers issued such a strong statement on the matter, so clearly the issue has reached a worrying stage," he added.

Canadian High Commissioner David Collins, in his speech, said although there was emphasis on press freedom in Canada, any violations by the media will see their licences reviewed.

Aidcom chairman Tan Sri Mazlan Nordin said a free media is a key ingredient for a democratic society which upholds the rights of its citizens.

Senior journalists and editors from various print, electronic and online media attended the two-day colloquium.