BY JAMES WONG & VIVYNNA ANN CHABU
KUCHING: The media industry must adopt a global code of ethics amidst the challenges brought by technological advancements, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said with the rapid transformation and evolution of technology such as artificial intelligence (AI), an ethical framework is crucial to ensure that journalists use these tools professionally and responsibly.
“This evolution is something we must identify and monitor closely. Generative AI, for instance, can seemingly bring the dead back to life, and when it comes to delivering information, experts in this field (AI) can make it difficult for us to discern whether something is original or not.
“If we are unable to evaluate the information correctly, non-original content can appear as original.
“Moreover, the rapid pace of communication has introduced various challenges to the media industry. It is crucial that we have proper protocols for managing and disseminating the information we share with the public,” he said.
He was officiating the 2024 Sarawak Media Conference (SMeC) held at Riverside Majestic Hotel here Sunday (May 26).
Abang Johari called on journalists to establish ethical guidelines that ensure their responsibility towards the well-being of humanity, not just at a national level, but for all stakeholders involved.
He also said it is crucial to develop a global standard for the media industry to ensure the professional use of these tools in response to these challenges and transformations.
He expressed satisfaction that Malaysia is moving in this direction, particularly with the SMeC organised by the Sarawak Public Communications Unit (UKAS) and Kuching Division Journalist Association (KDJA) which will focus on navigating the ethical use of AI in journalism.
“And I hope the global media industry under the auspices of United Nations will have certain parameters and code of ethics that is acceptable to all the users,” he added.
The SMeC brought together more than 300 journalists and media practitioners from Malaysia as well as Cambodia, China, France, Qatar, Indonesia and others.
Also present were Sarawak State Legislative Assembly Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nasar, Communication Minister Fahmi Fadzil, Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Corporate Affairs, Information, and UKAS), Datuk Abdullah Saidol, Utility and Telecommunications Minister Datuk Julaihi Narawi, and Deputy State Secretary (Operation) Datuk Hii Chang Kee.
