Malaysia’s Media Coverage of ASEAN Chairmanship: A Focus on Strengthening Regional Ties
Effective Media Coverage
Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil hopes that Malaysia’s media coverage during its ASEAN Chairmanship will effectively reach media organisations across the region. He emphasized the importance of news reports from the Malaysian National News Agency (BERNAMA) and Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM), which serve as the official media and broadcaster for Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship.
Progressing Smoothly
"In terms of news coverage, I see that BERNAMA is fulfilling its role well as the official media coordinator, while RTM is carrying out its duties effectively as the official broadcaster. Coverage is progressing smoothly, with our focus now on the ASEAN Summit," he said.
ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Retreat
"Our first event, the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Retreat on Jan 18 and 19, alhamdulillah, was successfully conducted," he said after visiting Kampung Tebat Kering here, which he has adopted under a community initiative.
Strengthening Media Relations
Fahmi, who is also Lembah Pantai MP, said there is a need to strengthen media relations between Malaysia and other ASEAN countries, not only among government media agencies but also with other media organisations across the region.
"That is why I believe we should organise a gathering of ASEAN media representatives in conjunction with National Journalists’ Day (HAWANA) this May. Insya-Allah, I hope this media gathering will foster stronger ties and facilitate wider dissemination of news and reports across Southeast Asia," he said.
National Journalists’ Day (HAWANA)
On Jan 23, Fahmi, who also serves as the Unity government spokesperson, announced that this year’s HAWANA will serve as a platform to bring together media organisations from across ASEAN to enhance collaboration and address current industry challenges.
Adopted Village Programme
Meanwhile, Fahmi expressed his hope that the adopted village programme will continue in the future to help address various issues faced by participating villages, particularly those related to socio-economic development and infrastructure.
"Each ministry has been asked to adopt a village, and even government department and agency heads are encouraged to do the same. The focus will be on improving infrastructure and addressing local needs," he said.
Kampung Tebat Kering
Meanwhile, Kampung Tebat Kering Village Development and Security Committee chairman, Raja Azhar Raja Aziz, 53, described the selection of the village, which has over 1,200 residents, as a ‘valuable opportunity’ for the local community.
"With this selection, we hope to see significant improvements, especially in terms of infrastructure development that will benefit our residents," he said.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Malaysia’s media coverage of its ASEAN Chairmanship is progressing smoothly, with a focus on strengthening media relations between Malaysia and other ASEAN countries. The adopted village programme is also expected to continue in the future, addressing various issues faced by participating villages.
FAQs
Q: What is the role of BERNAMA and RTM in Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship?
A: BERNAMA and RTM serve as the official media and broadcaster for Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship, providing news reports and coverage of ASEAN events.
Q: What is the purpose of National Journalists’ Day (HAWANA)?
A: HAWANA aims to bring together media organisations from across ASEAN to enhance collaboration and address current industry challenges.
Q: What is the adopted village programme?
A: The adopted village programme is an initiative where government leaders and officials adopt villages to address various issues faced by the local community, particularly those related to socio-economic development and infrastructure.