MEDIA REPRESENTATION OF RELIGION, RACE AND ROYALTY (3R) IN MALAYSIAN POLITICAL JOURNALISM PERSPECTIVES
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55197/qjssh.v7si1.1197Keywords:
journalism, media framing, ethnicity, gatekeeping, politics, 3R newsAbstract
This study explores the perceptions and representations of politically sensitive issues-religion, race, and royalty (3R)-by mainstream journalists in Malaysia based on selected media reportage. Notwithstanding the digital change of newsrooms, 3R framing persists in shaping political narratives and public discourse, mirroring established sociocultural norms. The study addresses an important gap by interpreting how journalistic decision-making is shaped by institutional, cultural, and political elements in reporting on these delicate topics. A qualitative approach was employed, incorporating in-depth interviews with experienced journalists from mainstream media organizations, alongside a critical discourse analysis of selected political news articles published during the 2018–2025 electoral cycle. This period was chosen as it captures a significant shift in Malaysia’s political and media landscape, beginning with the historic 2018 general election that marked a change in government and extending to contemporary developments such as the 2020 political realignment and GE15 in 2022. Covering this cycle allows for a deeper understanding of how 3R narratives evolved amidst heightened political transitions, editorial pressures, and public sensitivities. The research project employed Agenda-setting Theory and Media Priming Theory to interpret how journalists construct 3R narratives while navigating political and editorial constraints. The results indicate that although journalists recognize the necessity for balanced reporting, institutional boundaries, self-censorship, and audience expectations often result in cautious and repetitive framing, particularly in coverage of royalty and religion. Race-related matters are frequently influenced by political disputes and historical conflicts. Notwithstanding the digital transition, conventional narratives endure, and the capacity for transformation is constrained by structural limits. This research enriches understanding of the Malaysian media's handling of sensitive identity politics, offering insights into the intersections of media, politics, and social values. The study highlights the need for reflective journalistic practices and comprehensive media reforms to ensure fairer portrayals of Malaysia's diverse society.
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