The Communications Ministry has expressed “readiness” to meet with representatives from media groups to discuss guidelines on AI use in journalism. Specifically mentioned are the National Union of Journalists Malaysia (NUJM) and the Malaysian Press Institute (MPI), according to Bernama.
Comms Minister Fahmi Fadzil was quoted as saying that “I am ready to meet and will try to make time this week to at least gather initial input from NUJ”. He said that guidelines are needed to “harness AI’s potential and not fall victim to false news, inaccurate information, or the misuse of AI, especially in the media industry”.
This comes following a number of recent public gaffes involving the use of AI. Both involve the incorrect depiction of the Malaysian flag, one by a local newspaper, and another by the Ministry of Education, making for a pretty ironic situation.
Fahmi also noted the rise of Malaysia in the press freedom index by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), moving up to 88, the second-highest among the ASEAN nations. That being said, the minister also noted that “Malaysians, including media colleagues, have the right to speak and report, but existing laws still apply”. This is in relation to the ” crackdown against the “3R” (Race, Religion and Royalty) offences” as noted by the RSF.
