Media Role to Distinguish Cultural Consequences

Home Ministry reprimands The Star over supplement

Source: EwanRani, 2011

In the Islamic cultural context, ‘Fasting’ is considered as one of their moral practice or unique characteristics they beyond through years. It is an act of completely abstain from any foods, drinks, intimate intercourse and smoking (El-Ashi, n.d.). Hence, every Muslim believer was required to adopt this culture that is ongoing for a month held once in a year. It is known as ‘Ramadan’ or ‘Puasa’ which is a month of fasting where they believe it is a time for inner reflection, devotion to God, and self-control.

Recently, the Star newspaper had edited a ‘Dining Out’ supplement which falls on the month of Ramadan. This has brings up a topic issue or dissatisfaction from the Home Ministry Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein. It is being said that The Star made a careless mistake undertaking the importance of Muslim’s fasting month. The Star being accused that the supplement is inappropriate to be shown up as it is considered as a disrespect to the Muslim during their fasting period. However, the Star has made an apology to all the Muslim and admitted that it is their faulty as well as declaring that it is a misunderstanding. The Star executive director Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai, claims the ‘Dining Out’ supplement were meant to highlight all types of food outlets but not a Ramadan supplement as the cover page heading ‘Ramadan delight’ wrongly suggested in the Star (16 August 2011). Hence, The Star once again apologizes to the Muslim for the mistake.

The term ‘self-regulation’ is used when the private sector perceives the need to regulate itself for whatever reason-to respond to consumer demand, to carry out its ethical beliefs, to enhance industry reputation (Campbell 1999). This shows the intention of the Star as the media proposing ‘Dining Out’ supplement was to fulfill reader’s satisfaction. I believe the Star as one of the largest mainstream media knows their limitations in providing accurate information to the readers to protect their rights.

In conclusion, the ideology of this issue explains that we should respect others by acknowledging their rules to avoid conflict happen. Nevertheless, media upholds the power to influence others.    

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References:

Campbell, AJ 1999, ‘Self-regulation and the media,’ ProQuest, Federal Communications Law Journal, vol 51, no. 3, viewed 5 June 2012, < http://search.proquest.com.ezlibproxy.unisa.edu.au/docview/213195264>.

El-Ashi, A n.d., Fasting in Islam, Islamic Society of Rutgers University, viewed 5 June 2012, < http://www.eden.rutgers.edu/~muslims/fasting.htm>.

The Star 2011, ‘Home Ministry reprimands The Star over supplement,’ 16 August.