COMETIC 2024: Tan Sri Johan Jaaffar delivers first keynote speech on media integrity

By, Shaheerah Dzaki

KUALA LUMPUR, 16 October 2024: The Communication and Media Centre International Conference (COMETIC 2024) kicked off with an insightful keynote speech from the national journalism laureate, Tan Sri Johan Jaaffar at the International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilization (ISTAC-IIUM) on Wednesday morning (16 October 2024). The speech was titled, “Media integrity: Reflections on upholding truth, transparency, and trust.”

Tan Sri Johan Jaaffar shared that truth, transparency and trust are virtues that are fast dissipating in the current imperfect world. He further added that the discourse must be talked about due to the fact that there is distrust in almost everything – government and media, which can be overwhelming.

“It is about time to relook at ourselves,” Tan Sri Johan Jaaffar remarked.

The veteran journalist presented a survey that showed journalism as one of the least trusted professions. He clarified that journalists are just doing their job and take no advantage or pleasure from reporting people’s miseries or misfortunes.

Tan Sri Johan highlighted the duty of journalists, “We play the role of the eyes and ears of the people.”

Additionally, he also shared some of his inspiring experiences as a journalist reporting from all over the world and meeting major historical figures such as Nelson Mandela and Saddam Hussein.

In his speech, Tan Sri Johan brought up the issue of freedom of the press by exemplifying past scandals in Malaysia. However, he conveyed that it is important to learn from those mistakes.

Furthermore, the veteran journalist emphasised that journalists must do their best at playing their role. “It is about accountability and fairness and about bringing sanctity to a public that is obsessed with film stars, celebrities and more,” Tan Sri Johan remarked.

The digital revolution also left a huge impact on the journalism industry. According to Tan Sri Johan Jaaffar, newspaper companies used to prosper back then. Now with the Internet, the companies are shifting to social media and digital platforms, they need to evolve.

In the age of digitalisation, there is concern that social media can easily be a weapon of mass destruction in which anyone can say anything and spread lies. Nevertheless, there are people who still believe that the mainstream media remains the true main source of information.

Tan Sri Johan Jaaffar reiterated that he still believes in the freedom of the press. “Free press is the bedrock of democracy and yes, freedom of the press must come with responsibility,” he noted.

COMETIC 2024 was organised by IIUM’s Communication and Media Centre from 16 to 17 October 2024 at ISTAC-IIUM.***