KUCHING: Malaysian Press Institute (MPI) President Datuk Yong Soo Heong has urged journalists to uphold truth, trust and integrity as the pillars of ethical journalism.
In a statement on Saturday, he highlighted the vital role of media professionals in safeguarding the truth and fostering a well-informed society, emphasising that responsible journalism extends beyond reporting facts to include a commitment to accuracy, accountability, and unbiased coverage.
“In upholding the tenets of ethical writing and broadcasting, MPI believes that trust and integrity are the very cornerstones of responsible journalism that are also in consonance with the spirit of the soon-to-be-established Malaysian Media Council,” he said.
Yong warned that without trust, media credibility is compromised, making audiences less likely to engage with the news, and underscored the importance of adhering to ethical standards such as honesty, objectivity, and accountability to maintain public confidence in the press.
Yong stated that journalists must remain steadfast in presenting the truth, even when inconvenient or unpopular, while cautioning against conflicts of interest and external pressures that could influence reporting, urging media practitioners to resist bias and uphold journalistic integrity.
“In a world flooded with misinformation and fake news, journalists are the custodians of truth as they sift through the noise to uncover facts, verifying sources and ensuring that the information they present is accurate and reliable,” Yong added.
He warned that irresponsible reporting could contribute to public panic, mistrust and even social harm.
