COMMUNCATIONS Minister Fahmi Fadzil clarified that press accreditation cards are not equivalent to licenses for professions such as medicine or law but rather serve as tools for facilitating media access to official events.
Speaking at a function in Kuala Lumpur, Fahmi defended the Information Department’s decision to issue media cards with shorter validity periods to journalists from various online news agencies. He emphasised that these cards are not licenses and do not restrict journalists from practicing their profession.
“I hope media colleagues can help clarify that this is not like a medical license to practice. It’s not a professional body like lawyers, architects or doctors where to work in that field, we need a license.
“This is not a license – the media accreditation card is issued by the Information Department specifically to facilitate journalists’ attendance and reporting at official government events.
“For example, to come to today’s event, none of you required a media accreditation card but if journalists want to report on National Day celebrations, coronation ceremonies and certain events in Parliament for example, then there are some considerations.
“That is among the functions of the media accreditation card.”
Moreover, he stressed that the validity period of the cards does not hinder journalists from carrying out their duties. Fahmi likened the media accreditation process to being called to the Bar for lawyers, noting that it is not a requirement for practicing journalism.
“You don’t need a media accreditation card to work or function as a journalist. This is not like being called to the Bar.” – March 6, 2024
Main photo credit: Bernama
