Malaysian Communications Minister: Indonesia-Malaysia media relations are very special

Kuala Lumpur — Malaysia’s Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil has described the relationship between Malaysian and Indonesian media as “very special” and noted that it helps strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries.

“This is a very special relationship between our two nations. The working relationship between media organisations in both countries is also very special,” Fahmi said in response to questions from ANTARA during a media interview session in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday.

He was responding to questions regarding Malaysia’s government expectations for collaboration between ANTARA and BERNAMA, the official news agencies of both countries, and media relations between the two nations more broadly.

Fahmi stated that Malaysia and Indonesia have established a joint media organisation platform, namely the Brotherhood of Malaysian and Indonesian Journalists Association (Iswami), which has played a significant role in bringing together editors-in-chief from major media organisations in both countries.

“Additionally, this relationship also provides us with a very good and clear communication channel to help each other, particularly in understanding what is happening in each other’s country,” said Fahmi, who also serves as Malaysia’s government spokesman.

Fahmi specifically stated that he would strongly support any other Indonesian media outlets wishing to follow ANTARA’s example by conducting official coverage in Malaysia.

“I read many press reports from Indonesia and I am confident that this will greatly assist in strengthening the bilateral relationship between our two countries,” Fahmi said.