Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil calls for higher PR standards, transparency and showcasing Malaysia globally at industry conference.
KUALA LUMPUR: Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil has issued three key calls to action for public relations and communications professionals.
Speaking at the Global Public Relations Conference and Festival Malaysia 2025 opening ceremony, he urged the industry to raise professional standards across the ecosystem.
He called for expanded mentorship programs, strengthened ethics, and collaboration with universities to nurture tech-savvy yet empathetic communicators.
“Second, be transparent. If content is synthetic, say so. If data is incomplete, acknowledge it. If facts change, guide the public through that change,” Fahmi stated.
He emphasized that credibility built on honesty will always outlast even the most persuasive campaign.
His third call was for professionals to showcase Malaysia to the world and bring the world to Malaysia through communications as soft power.
Fahmi clarified that the government’s approach to online safety regulation focuses on clarity and accountability rather than control.
“Our aim is not to police speech, but to protect the public sphere,” he explained, adding that clear rules help citizens, creators and companies act confidently.
He highlighted the Malaysian Media Council and Online Safety Act 2024 as vital frameworks combating misinformation while strengthening media integrity.
The Malaysian Media Council functions as an independent self-regulatory body upholding journalistic ethics and professionalism.
The Online Safety Act 2024 mandates online safety measures, requires AI-generated content labelling, and protects vulnerable users from harmful practices.
Sultan of Perak Sultan Nazrin Shah officiated the inaugural three-day conference organized by PRactitioners Malaysia.
The event brings together over 500 communication leaders, media professionals, policymakers and academics from Malaysia and abroad.
PRactitioners Malaysia Chairman Datuk P. Kamalanathan said the conference demonstrates how trust, ethics and empathy can redefine communications.
“Public relations is the heartbeat of trust. When we communicate with purpose and integrity, we do more than inform – we unite, inspire and build legacies that endure,” he stated. – Bernama
