Negotiating Journalism Ethics in Malaysia: Towards a 'Glocal' Ethics

This concept paper argues that the practice of journalism ethics reflects the specificity of the context in question. The point of reference is the journalism practice in Malaysia, by both professional and citizen journalists (or the non-professional journalists) that subject to different influences. Participatory democracy should be practiced by all nations subscribing to democracy. Both media institutions and government have reached a mutual understanding on the need to provide an ideal platform for the electorates to actively engage in discussion, exchanging information and ideas, hence preparing them to be the well-informed citizens. Globalization of news is having its vivid effects on the news gatherers and news disseminators. The Internet has allowed media audiences, who used to be the mere receivers to also play their roles as news and information providers. The limitless space available online had inadvertently 'fertilized' the seeds of unethical journalism practices that can have hideous ramifications not only to the writer, but also on the political stability, racial harmony and safety of the whole nation. The wisest move to counter unethical journalistic activities is of course by promoting ethical journalism.