PUTRAJAYA: Government agencies should not be afraid or react impulsively to negative mass media reports about them, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

“Let us not be too scared to react quickly when the media reports something that is not positive about our organisation.

“What we need to do is explain accurately so that the people will understand any problem which may arise,” he said in his speech when opening the Mass Media Conference 2005 organised by the Internal Security Ministry yesterday.

He said many had approached him about the media highlighting the problems faced by government projects and agencies.

CASUAL AND CHEERFUL: Abdullah sharing a light moment with delegates at the Mass Media Conference in Putrajaya.

“We should be thankful that the media highlights these matters. There is no ill intent and the relevant parties should tolerate this. Take it as feedback. We need to give some space to the mass media and community,” he added.

He also said “it is no surprise if the media is sometimes the mirror for a community and country”.

“We can tell the heart of the people or its socio-economic system by evaluating the mass media content of that country.”

It was sad, he said, when competition caused certain parties to neglect their responsibility to the people just to gain profit.

“There are those who write all kinds of lies or baseless allegations about anyone. They also supposedly emphasise 'freedom of press', and write for their personal satisfaction,” he said.

“As a policymaker, I would provide a caveat to this relentless race to sell more copies and attract more viewers and listeners.

“I hope the media seriously takes into account its responsibility to disseminate news fairly and accurately. “

Later, during a press conference, he said he was “generally satisfied” on the ways the media adopted to get information.

At the Media Night 2005 dinner here, Deputy Internal Security Minister Chia Kwang Chye said the media should remain responsible in disseminating news to the people.

Chia said the conference would help forge closer ties between the Government and media as well as provide an opportunity for both to exchange views on various issues.