MEDIA PLAYS PROACTIVE ROLE IN ASEAN COMMUNITY BUILDING -- FM MOHAMAD
KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 6 (Bernama) -- The media has played an essential and proactive role in ASEAN Community building by raising public awareness of the bloc and fostering a deeper understanding among its people, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said.
Mohamad said that through reporting, media organisations help counter misinformation, build trust and serve as a vital bridge between ASEAN’s policy outcomes and the citizens whose lives are affected by them.
"Your role is not passive; it is proactive. You provide an important platform to raise awareness of ASEAN and for nurturing a deeper understanding. Thus, effectively countering misinformation and building trust," he said in his keynote address at the 9th ASEAN Media Forum here Thursday.
His speech was read by ASEAN-Malaysia National Secretariat Director-General, Datuk Zanariah Zainal Abidin.
As technology evolves, Mohamad said media organisations must secure digital inclusivity and focus on people-centric narratives that guarantee broad access, reaching remote and underserved communities while ensuring every voice is included in the ASEAN story.
“Beyond the vital statistics of trade and infrastructure, our media should also highlight the human stories – the friendships, youth collaboration and resilience – that truly form the foundation of an enduring partnership,” he added.
Mohamad added that Malaysia stands ready to facilitate continuous dialogue and harness the potential of the media to bring benefits to the region as well as promote ASEAN’s constructive contribution to global developments.
Organised by the ASEAN Secretariat in consultation with Malaysia as ASEAN Chair, the forum serves as a platform for open dialogue between ASEAN and the media across the region.
Launched in Manila on Aug 4, 2017, during ASEAN’s 50th anniversary celebrations, the forum aims to foster mutual understanding and strengthen collaboration in promoting the ASEAN Community.
-- BERNAMA
