Engage Chinese and Tamil news organisations too, Fahmi told

R Yuneswaran (PH-Segamat) has urged Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil to also engage Chinese and Tamil news organisations to understand their specific struggles.

“Beyond Malay and English news organisations, it is also important to recognise the challenges faced by Tamil and Chinese news organisations. If we recall, Tamil Nesan, the oldest Tamil newspaper in Southeast Asia, was forced to shut down in 2019 after operating for 96 years since its establishment in 1924.

“It mentioned continuous losses for 10 years as the main reason for its closure. Hence, similar to Tamil Nesan, the struggles faced by vernacular media, including financial constraints and readership shifts, deserve equal attention.

“While this is a praiseworthy first step from the minister, I hope that he could 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 toward long-term solutions, I believe YB 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 press statement.

Yuneswaran made the call as Fahmi has taken initiative to engage media practitioners and industry representatives directly in the case of Petra News that runs three portals – The Malaysian Insight, Getaran and The Vibes.

“By facilitating this open dialogue, the government demonstrates a strong commitment to ensuring that employers uphold their responsibilities and that media workers receive the rights and protections they deserve.

“In an era where the media landscape is rapidly evolving, particularly with the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its impact on the industry, such discussions are crucial in shaping sustainable solutions for the future,” he said.