THE ROLE OF MEDIA & INFORMATION AGENCIES IN PROMOTING NATIONAL INTEGRATION & UNITY IN A MULTI ETHNIC SOCIETY AS IN MALAYSIA INTRODUCTION
Malaysia is a small country which has a unique multi-ethnic. Ethnicity in Malaysia can be traced back with the emergence of the Chinese during the Malacca Sultanate in early 15th century and expended in 18th century when thousands of Chinese families start to settle in Johor and Terengganu. During the British colonization, the large number of immigrants of two major ethnic, the Chinese and Indian were brought to Malaysia. Today there were more than 20 ethnic besides the 3 main races stretched from Peninsular Malaysia, Perlis until to Sabah, East Malaysia. According to the Oxford Dictionary defined that an ethnic is a group of people sharing a common national or cultural tradition; denoting origin by birth or descent rather than nationality; relating to race or culture. Therefore it is important for Malaysia to ensure the unity and the integration of this multi-ethnic in order all ethnics could live in this country with peace and harmony. The incident of major racial disputes on 13 May 1969, is a good lesson learnt for Malaysia to take measures and steps to avoid the incident from repeated. One of the instrument used by the government is through media and information agencies which played a important role in promoting national integration & unity of this multi multi ethnic society. society. The media is an instruments instruments of broadcastin broadcasting g as conveying conveying informati information on to the public public e.g. Poster, banner, New paper, Magazine, Magazine, journals journals TV, Radio, Internet whereas the information agencies are the body which responsibility in giving public an information through electronic media. As in Malaysia the media has started as early as 1805 in Penang with the introduction of the newspaper newspaper “The Prince Prince of Wales Wales 'Islan 'Island's d's Gazette". Gazette". In 1876 the first first Malay Malay Newspaper was known as “Jawi Peranakan", it was introduced in Singapore in 1876. Whereas the first Chinese Newspaper, was introduced in Melaka in 1815 known as "The Chinese Chinese Monthly Magazine". Magazine". Before Before the independent independent the media used by colonial colonial both the Japanese and British mainly as propagandas, Psychological Operation and Inte Intell llig igenc ence. e. Thei Theirr aim aim is to win win the the hear heartt and and mind mind of the the peopl peoplee to supp suppor ortt the the government in era of war and combating insurgent but after the independent especially
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after the end of communist insurgent, the media played important role in the socioeconomic process building and as the agency for the national integration this multi-ethnic country.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this paper is to highlight highlight the role of media and informati information on agencies in promote national integration and unity in a multi ethnic society in Malaysia.
SCOPE
The scope of this paper will cover the following aspects: a. Role of media and Information agencies b. Measures and Steps to unite and an d integrate of Multi-Ethnic c. Government policy in media d. Challenges e. Conclusion ROLES OF MEDIA AND INFORMATION AGENCIES
In Malaysia the agencies involved directly with information were Ministry Of Information and Ministry of Energy, Water and Communication. Whereas the agencies such such as Nation National al Unity Unity Departm Department ent,, played played import important ant role role as governm government ent tool tool in implementing the government policies for strengthening national unity and integrating. Ther Theree were were many many role roless that that coul could d be play played ed by the the medi mediaa and and info inform rmat atio ion n agencies. However some of the roles are directly and indirectly promoting the unity and integration of Malaysia citizens. Some the prominent roles of media and Information agencies played were as follow: a. As Agents Agents Of Social Social Change Change b. As Pro Pro Peace Peace And Agents Agents Of Stabil Stability ity
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c. Promote Promote Governme Government nt Polici Policies es And And Visions Visions d. Coordinate In Promoting National Objectives e. As A Agents And Instrument Of Tourism Industry
As Agents Of Social Changes . Making assured that only the good news and information
passed down and delivered to the public. A study made by Y.V.L. Rao, a young Indian scholar has showed that all social change is accompanied by tension. But when change is accomplished, tension is often relieved. Therefore the flow of information is of the greatest importance in regulating the level of social tension. Communication is a kind of temperature–controlling agent. It can raise the social temperature, for example, by raising aspirations when the developing economy is not ready to satisfy them. It can reduce temperature by providing explanation, holding out rewards, speeding up development by permitting change, above all by making the people as well as the leaders heard. The study made made by Schramm found high high correlation correlation of 0.72 between between a scale of economic development and others scale representing the development of mass media receiving and propagating systems in 100 countries. This prove that a high correlation between the development of mass media and indexes of economic development.1 The amount of information available and wideness w ideness of its distribution is thus a key factor in the speed and smoothness smoothness of development development.. If it is freely available available competitio competition n for new jobs and opportunities takes place in a climate of realistic knowledge rather than suspicion and jealousy. jealousy. If sufficient sufficient information information is available, available, then it contributes contributes to a spiral spiral of development activity. For example it helps farmers to improve methods and produce more. It also helps some of the excess man power on the farms to transfer to other more productive jobs. More productivity leads to improved income, to widening consuming habits to increased economic activity within the area such as shops and restaurants, to new appetites for consumer goods to a seeking after new opportunities and so on in a chain of related development. The media also played an important in the process of educating the public and society. The educated are able to read, get jobs, and talk about many things. Reading is another symbol of prestige. Edu cated people make possible more sophist sophistica icated ted indust industrie riess This This is true true as in Malays Malaysia ia the rate rate of liter literacy acy among among the 1
Lerner The Lerner The Passing Of Traditional Society. P. 63
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community is high and the availability of news and information that make better chances of economic and social development and in return keep the nation community in good state and harmony. The mass media has a bigger role in social change. However the social change occurs are not due to the increasing of the number of radios, news paper, and cinemas. Merely multiplying messages and channels is not enough but the programs that will attract the public for instance a question-and-answer program on radio program has proved to be very useful. Another example such as the combination of radio broadcasts with group discussion in rural forums has been very helpful in bringing about changes to the society. In the service of national unity and integration, the mass media are agents of social changes. The specific kind of social change they are expected to help accomplish is the transition to new dimension of though, customs and practices and in some cases to different social relationships. Behind of this such changes lie substantial changes in attitudes, beliefs, skills and social norms.
Media as Pro Peace and Agent of Stability. One cannot denied that the important of
media and its agency to create prosperity society through media. The media agencies create create progra programme mmess to bring bring people people of differ different ent races races togeth together. er. It also also serve serve the commun community ity with with provid providing ing news, news, views, views, inform informati ation, on, ideas ideas based based on the follow following ing ground: a. National aspirations b. Civic Tolerance c. Peace Peace & Harmon Harmony y
Theref Therefore ore the mass mass media media thru thru the inform informati ation on agenci agencies es are an integr integral al and functional part of the developmental communicative processes towards to knowledge citizens and Civic Society.
Promote Government Policies And Visions. The mass media is important in relay the
government policies. It is the media obligation in passing the positive information and
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educating the public for the government policies and visions. Media has important role in the national development thus it give great impact to the unity of community and multi ethnic such in Malaysia. The public demands to be informed on reports and news in their environment of immediate vicinity and in distant areas. Therefore the media played an important role in ensuring only the truth and precise news and information been passed down to the public. It also promotes tolerance and given good examples of peaceful coexist existen ence ce work work.. This This could could be done done thro through ugh adver adverti tise seme ment ntss in the the TV duri during ng the the commercial break, Radio or perhaps in the news papers.
Coordinate In Promoting National Objectives.
Anothe Anotherr respon responsib sibili ility ty of media media is to coordi coordinat natee for the nation national al object objective ivess through enlightening the public so as to make it capable of self-government, self guarding the rights of the individual by serving as a watch dog toward the government, servicing the political system by providing information, discussion and debate on public affairs. Media Media has great great influe influence nce in servin serving g the economi economicc syste system, m, primar primaril ily y the bringi bringing ng together the buyers and sellers of good and services through the medium of advertising. Media is also responsible in providing entertainment and infotainment to targeted groups in achieving the main national objective, integration of the multi ethnic.
As A Agents And Instrument Of Tourism Industry. The media agencies were also had
help the government in motivating tourism industry. The media able to help the Ministry culture and tourism in giving the positive view of the country that promote the tourists to pour into this country. Therefore the media is indirectly has played a very important part to increase the vacancies and job opportunities in the tourism sector. Thus, help the government in stabilize the socio-economic among the citizen and finally help for the national integration among the community2.
MEASURES AND STEPS TO UNITE AND INTEGRATE OF MULTI-ETHNIC
The mass media inclusive the electronic and press could be the important agencies in channeling information in strengthening the multiethnic multiethnic in Malaysia. According to the 2
Berita Harian “ Media Bantu Industri Pelancongan” Pelancongan ” 23 Oct 2003
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President President of Media Working Committee Committee (PANEL), (PANEL), Tan Sri Dr. Arshad Ayub said that due to the role of media in delivering information to the public therefore it’s act as an agent in ensuring whether the fall or advancement of the national unity. In order to maintain the unity among the public every facts of the news and information passed to the public should be fast and precise so that public will have a correct and clear picture on issues particularly on the sensitive issues. Malaysia have a unique multiethnic that couldn’t found in others country or perhaps perhaps in this this world world and it streng strength th is laid to the nation national al integr integrati ation on & unity unity.. This This strength could be weakening if no efforts have been made in maintaining it. Therefore it’s the mass media responsible for not reporting any news which could lead to the ethnic sensitivit sensitivity y especially especially that could jeopardize jeopardize that unity and ethnics ethnics integratio integration. n. Therefore Therefore the Government with cooperation of Ministry of Information and National Integration Department (JPN) had laid down several steps in boosting up the public integration. Some the measures and steps such as media viewing the reports and article on every different ethnic culture, advertisements activities on civic society, civic minded and good manners. This reports and activities would finally lead to the harmony society and good citizens3. However in maintaining the strength of national unity is not only lay on the media shoulder shoulder alone. Both the civic society and media should should work together together to play their role in passi passing ng info inform rmat atio ion n to the the peopl peoplee and help helpin ing g to crea create te awar awaren enes esss on issu issues es.. Information should be passed on the people and media can help civic society representatives to achieve their objectives. In the other hand, the civic society can in their own way ensure the progress of the media. The media have to remain as conduit to pass information from the establishment to the people and vice versa4.
GOVERNMENT POLICY IN MEDIA
Malaysia Malaysia is serious serious towards unite unite and integration integration of the multi-ethnic. multi-ethnic. This is because the strength of the Malaysia is greatly depending to the unity of public and citizens. Censorship may mean many things but in its broadest definition if not “blackout” may be censored censored or altered altered due to its national security security for fear that the informati information on 3 4
Berita Harian “Media “Media Ejen Perkukuh Perpaduan Nasional”4 May 2002 NST “Media “Media and society should work together,say esitor” 26 Mar 2003
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may cause the public unrest in some way. Thus, the government has set the rules and guidelines for the journalist journalist and reporter to abide. The rules and regulation are important important for government as a mean of controlling the news that spread to the public. As more than not the media often concerned with an exciting news story that will sell, without cause the news caused public unrest among the community. This of course would give negative impact to the National Unity and integration. One of the 13 Strategies in the Long Planning Strategy of Ministry of Information 2002 -2012 has clearly stipulated used of media in maintaining and unite of national integration among the races. Therefore the government is very concerned on the media and its news that spread among the public. In Malaysia, there were numbers of code of conduct for media and their role in nation building, promoting harmony between races and strive towards national integration, and to uphold the value of a democratic, tolerant and liberal society. Essentially, these codes are reminders pertaining to: a. Rules of reporting b. Editorial opinions and comments c. Privacy of individuals d. Publishing of pictures e. Racial stereotyping f. Confidentiality and protection of sources The Printing Presses and Publication Act 1984 prohibits the possessions and use of printing press without a license and that licenses granted under the Act is valid for a perio period d of 12 mont months hs.. Unde Underr sect sectio ion n 13 of the the Act, Act, the the Mini Minist ster er is empo empower wered ed to revo revoke/ ke/su susp spen end d a lice licens nsee or perm permit it if the the prin printi ting ng pres presss is used used for for prin printi ting ng any any publication which is prejudicial to public order / national security. The Acts impose in Malaysia regarding the press or publications were as follows:
a. The Sedition Act (1948) Prohibits public comment on issues deemed as sensitive, racial and religious matters b. The Official Security Act (OSA) - 1972 c. Defamation Act (1957)
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d. The Malaysia Communications and Multimedia Act (1998)5 The government also had listed the media ethics as guide and references for the journalists in carrying out their duties and responsibilities: The guidelines of the media ethics were as follows: a. Accu Accura rate te.. Accuracy in writing and reporting is fundamental. An inaccuracy in writing may lead to problems and legal implications. There will be no compromise in this aspect. b. Brie Brief f . A good report is one that that is brief and compact. This made reading easy to understand. Thus it is the responsibility of the writers to prepare text that is easy to be understood by the readers. c. Clea Clear. r. A good written work is one that is clear. Clear writing is a result of a clear mind and would thereafter result in the message to be clearly put forward to the readers. d. Direct Direct to the point. point. Writers need to go straight to the point in their writing and not long-winded. e. Easy Easy.. The word easy signifies easy to read and easy to understand. A good writer discusses things in an easy manner of understanding.
CHALLENGES
There were several challenges faced by the media agencies in the process of national integration. The most prominent challenges that accounted by the Malaysia media are the as follows: a. Most of the private media agencies are interested in making profit through media business. Currently, there were 6 TV stations namely TV3, TV7, TV8 and ASTRO besides mainstream media agencies TV1 and TV2. About 90 % of these TV station programs were more towards entertaiment and little effort on the n ational integration.
b. Abuse of using computer and internet give a negative impact to Malaysia citizens. Too much of attention to internet make our citizen especially the teenage do not interact each others any more. As a result the citizens especially in Malaysia were 5
Assoc Prof Dr. Azizah Hamzah “Communication is not aPerfect Science” University Malaya, KL
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towards self centered and interest. This phenomenon is dangerous to the national integratio integration n and to be civic society. society. Therefore Therefore this is one of the factor that force force the government to introduce national service so that the national unity and integration back to it track.
c. Journalist at mainstream publications tend too much accommodate to the political culture in which they operate. Usually mainstream media are owned and/or controlled by either the state or the socio-economic elite. This caused most the news that they portrayed towards personal interest and as the results the public do not have the accurate information.
CONCLUSION
Media played important role in integration of multiethnic in Malaysia. The media and information agencies have great influenced among the public in Malaysia. Therefore media have an impact to the national integration and this make the government controls the spreading of news and information among the public. The programmes programmes been control to avoid tension tension among the races. In the process of doing this the government government imposed imposed the codes and Acts for the media to follow as guidelines. This Codes & Acts used for controllin controlling g purposes. purposes. The Journalist Journalistss are also obliged to support support development development in giving giving the good news and discard the negative news. Bad news in the developing country as Malaysia will only damage economic growth or drive away investors and finally effects to the sosio-economic. Therefore media could exercise their roles and tasks to ensure the cohesion and the national integration among the Malaysia citizens.
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