MH370: Hishammuddin Grateful To Malaysian Media For Responsible Reporting

KUALA LUMPUR, April 17 (Bernama) -- Defence Minister Hishammuddin Hussein is grateful to the Malaysian media for its responsible reporting since the Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 vanished on March 8. He said the tragedy had highlighted the need for indiscriminate reporting to inform the public on the incident. "This is really vital as indiscriminate reporting, especially for matters pertaining to national security and sensitive matters, can lead to speculation. "It will lead to confusion and the distrust of the public, often with irreversible consequences. So immense is the power that the media has," he noted. His speech was read by his deputy, Abdul Rahim Bakri at the Media Appreciation Luncheon, in conjunction with the Defence Services Asia (DSA) Exhibition and Conference 2014 at the Putra World Trade Centre here Wednesday. The DSA Exhibition and Conference 2014, which will commence until Thursday, is a static defence technology and equipment exhibition, as well as the latest generic security solution and armament system to meet the requirements of the country's security forces and that of the Asia-Pacific countries. Noting that the media was indeed powerful, Hishammuddin quoted a saying that with great power, came great responsibility. "You (media) are instrumental in the progress and positive positioning of Malaysia in the eyes of the world, which also can be seen in the DSA series," he said. Speaking further on the exhibition, Hishammuddin said support from the Malaysian media had once again placed Malaysia positively on the world map. "Indeed, the eyes of the world are on us, and we, as a country, do need the strength and support of the media to enable Malaysia to shine as a beacon for the rest of the world," he added. -- BERNAMA