He said the government had never prevented the media from publishing any report.

“The government always takes note of reports published in the media.

“All government ministries and agencies cooperate with the media by facilitating in the dissemination of balanced, accurate and authentic information.

“In the interest of Keluarga Malaysia and the country’s development, I can give an assurance that the government has nothing to hide in the dissemination of information,” he said when launching the National Journalists Day (Hawana) 2022 celebration, themed “People’s Voice, National Aspiration”, here today.

Also present were communications and multimedia minister Annuar Musa and key media people in the country and from Indonesia.

The prime minister acknowledged the role of journalists as the fourth estate who, together with the executive, legislative and judiciary branches, worked with the government to make a success of the country’s development agenda.

“I truly appreciate the contributions of journalists in ensuring continuity and success of development programmes, including by providing solid and constructive comments so that the government can extend the best service to the people.”

He said journalists were regarded as thinkers because they used fresh ideas and the latest information to produce articles that could lead to an informed society.

The government hoped journalists would continue to be proactive and write fair reports when suggesting solutions to any issue, he said.

“I am confident that the check-and-balance approach taken on every piece of information received before publication will continue to be the practice.

“This is to avoid any misreporting that can undermine the integrity of the media and public trust towards it,” he added.