NEW MEDIA IMPORTANT FOR FUTURE OF POLITICS AND CIVIL - PM

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 11 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Najib Razak said he had always said that new media plays an important role in our political and civic future and that it is important for the truth to be told through responsible reporting.

The Prime Minister said he was therefore interested to come across a new
Bloggers' Code of Ethics that publishers may adopt.

Published on an internet news site, these guidelines are based on the
US-based Society of Professional Journalists' code of ethics for bloggers, he
said in his www.1malaysia.com.my blog Thursday.

A small selection follows.
Bloggers should:

. Be honest and fair in gathering, reporting and interpreting information

. Never plagiarise

. Identify and link to sources whenever feasible

. Never publish information they know is inaccurate - and if publishing
questionable information, make it clear it's in doubt

. Distinguish between advocacy, commentary and factual information

. Admit mistakes and correct them promptly

. Show good taste. Avoid pandering to lurid curiosity

. Explain each blog's mission and invite dialogue with the public over its
content and the bloggers' conduct

. Disclose conflicts of interest, affiliations, activities and personal
agendas

. Abide by the same high standards to which they hold others

"I find such standards critical to developing a respectful and productive
dialogue, and will endeavour to adhere to them as best as I can," he said.

-- BERNAMA