ISWAMI Malaysia calls on media to support bilateral relations by respecting leadership policies and focusing on positive, accurate reporting
KUALA LUMPUR: The media must play a constructive role in enhancing Malaysia-Indonesia relations by respecting the policies of both nations’ leaderships.
Ikatan Setiakawan Wartawan Malaysia-Indonesia (ISWAMI) Malaysia president Datuk Ahmad Zaini Kamaruzzaman said reporting should focus on strengthening bilateral ties and understanding mutual interests.
He cited the recent natural disaster in Sumatra and Indonesia’s decision to decline foreign aid as a situation requiring careful narrative shaping by media in both countries.
“Malaysia and Indonesia are sister countries; if one country is struck by disaster, both countries will always stand together to help at the leadership and people’s levels,” he said in a statement.
Ahmad Zaini stressed that accurate reporting is vital for public information and for preserving good relations between the two neighbours.
He urged Malaysian media covering the disaster to be ethical and sensitive to the tragedy in Aceh and North Sumatra.
“The report should be positive in our joint efforts to address the disaster issue without providing a negative narrative that could harm the harmony between the two countries,” he said.
ISWAMI Malaysia always respects all government policies, he added.
He expressed confidence that the ASEAN spirit and close relations under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and President Prabowo Subianto would bring the nations closer.
