The mainstream media play an important role as gatekeepers and editors to disseminate accurate information about government's policy and efforts.

Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the public today were spoilt for choice with the large variety of new media platforms, many of which offering inaccurate and dubious news reports.

"For example, in cases involving agencies such as the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission's investigation, there will be many keyboard warriors who will simply disclose the names identities of the suspects.

"Whereas the mainstream media practitioners will still maintain the ethics of good journalism by not disclosing the identity of the suspects and not publishing their pictures," he said this at the Johor Media Club annual general meeting at Puteri Pacific Hotel, here Tuesday night.

"The important role of the media is to ensure that before any news were disseminated, they have to take into account every legal aspects, as well as sensitivity, harmony and wellbeing of the people and the country," he added.

-- BERNAMA