An oath-taking ceremony of 29-member Myanmar media council took place at the Presidential House in Nay Pyi Taw on November 23.

The ceremony was also attended by Union Chief Justice Tun Tun Oo, Union Ministers, Nay Pyi Taw Council Chair Dr Myo Aung, Chair of Anti-Corruption Commission Aung Kyi, Myanmar National Human Right Commission Chair Win Mya, deputy ministers and departmental officials.

In his speech, President Win Myint said the media council needs to take a lead in laying down dos and don’ts to lessen hatred and conflicts among ethnics when the country is marching towards the federal democratic union.

“I would like to urge the media council to supervise media personnel to abide by laws, bylaws and rules and regulations when they cover conflicts,” said the President.

The media council needs to steer the democratic transition not to veer from the path and perform its duties in accord with the provisions of the media law and bylaws, without any bias, according to President Win Myint.

He added that, “Our government has accepted the fact that there will be no democracy without discussions, debates and criticism under reasonable grounds. Criticism should be made on local peace process, achieving the democratic goal and building a democratic federal union, from the constructive point of view. It needs to be aware of the fact that the misleading reporting may lead to misunderstanding, ending up in a bad result. Our country is still at the stage of transforming from the old system to the new one. Exploring the new path faces inevitable difficulties. At this critical juncture, we all need to place special emphasis on the growth of our hard-won democracy.

The President called on the media council to strive for the success of democratic reform and achieving the goal of building the democratic federal union aspired by the people.

Our government has understood the fact that the media freedom is crucial for democracy. In addition, the media council plays a very important role in ensuring the emergence of a democratic society. In 21st century, there are many things the people want to know. At the same time, media personnel need to be sure that the facts are right and accurate, the news coverage should not undermine peace and stability, and the security of the country should not be breached.

The people need to respect the laws and follow rules and regulations for the thriving of democracy. Media council members need to perform their duties in accord with the provisions of the media law, to enable the media to enjoy the rights, to follow media code of ethics and to fulfill the needs of people’s right of access to information, he continued.

On August 28, the election of media council members was held in Yangon. A total of 29 members were elected with each proposed by the President, Lower House Speaker and Upper House Speaker. On September 8, the chair, vice-chairs, secretary and treasurer of the council were also elected.

On October 30, the President issued a notification on the formation of Myanmar media council according the Media Law.

Members of the media council took oath in front of the President.