The prime minister said the media must always be aware of the important role it played and join hands with the government to groom the community to become intellectuals.

“As we progress to achieve a developed nation status, the people must be educated to become a thinking public,” he told reporters after breaking fast with the staff of Utusan Melayu (Malaysia) Berhad here tonight.

“The media has major responsibilities in building a society, not just sensationalise issues or publish news that is not authentic.

“If we use the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 to take action, the government would be labelled as dictatorial, but if we don’t take action, all sorts of false news and accusations will be the order of the day and that will not auger well for the government.”

The prime minister was accompanied by his wife, Rosmah Mansor.

Among ministers in attendance included Communications and Multimedia Minister Salleh Said Keruak and Urban Wellbeing, Housing and Local Government Minister Abdul Rahman Dahlan.

Also present was Utusan Melayu (Malaysia) Berhad Chairman Mohamad Fatmi Che Salleh.

More than 500 Utusan Malaysia staff, media practitioners, including from Bernama, were invited to break fast with the prime minister.

– BERNAMA