Former Islamic Minister and Vice Chancellor of Maldives Islamic University Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed has stated that the society as a whole should assist media and journalists and condemning the media without providing assistance was not the solution.
Speaking in the information session organized by Islamic Ministry in Islamic Centre grounds, Dr. Shaheem said work has to be carried out to develop responsible journalism and journalists. He also said journalists have to be made aware of their responsibilities and mandate as well as Islamic values and responsibilities.
He said journalists have to be supported and assisted. Dr. Shaheem said that media should not be attacked on the basis of what they write. He also appealed to journalists to learn Islamic values and Islamic characteristics.
Dr. Shaheem said the media was not the third estate but the first estate when it came to promoting Islamic values, national, economic and social issues. He said responsible, accountable journalism was a form of faith, as articles on issues will help resolve them.
“Faith is not just the five pillars specified. Working to resolve public issues is a form of faith, but they have to note the issues, they have to write specifically on the issues. Not to defame an individual,”
Dr. Shaheem appealed to media to stick to the truth in reporting in order to prevent chaos within the public. He also revealed that the Islamic University will begin journalism courses next year, which will feature a special component on Islam.
Condemning media without taking care is not the solution: Dr. Shaheem
