Media's role includes making people understand government policies: Eddin Syazlee

SEREMBAN: The role of the media as an agent of check and balance includes making the people understand government policies, Deputy Communications and Multimedia Minister Eddin Syazlee Shith said today.
He also said that another significant aspect of the media role was to inform the people of the ideas, desire and efforts of the government in developing the nation.
"I do not see the media as something burdensome but having a role to broadcast or deliver to the people the responsibilities which the government has implemented or will implement," he said at a get-together of over 200 ministry staff and media practitioners at the Negri Sembilan Department of Broadcasting here.
Eddin Syazlee, who is the MP for Kuala Pilah, said the proposal to merge Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) and the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) was still under study and the details were expected to be finalised soon.
He said the two organisations had presented their views and studies on the matter to the ministry.
"What needs to be done now is to work out the mode or form of collaboration," he said.
On another matter, Eddin Syazlee said it was hoped that the agencies under the ministry would step up efforts to encourage the younger generation and private sector to fly the national flag to demonstrate their affection for the country during the National Day celebration next month.
"I wish to urge the departments and agencies under the ministry to take the lead in flying the Jalur Gemilang national flag on their vehicles and at their homes and workplaces.
"When we fly the Jalur Gemilang, we indirectly foster solidarity among us regardless of our political affiliation, religious background, race or rank," he said. — Bernama