Malaysia ranks highest among Asean countries in RSF's latest world press freedom index

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia jumped six places to 113 in the World Press Freedom Index 2022, which was recently released by the non-profit group Reporters Without Borders.

Malaysia's position at 113 out of 180 countries is up six places from the previous year and is the highest among Asean countries, ahead of Thailand (115), Indonesia (117), Singapore (139), Cambodia (142), Brunei (144), Philippines (147), Laos (161), Vietnam (174) and Myanmar (176).

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Earlier, national journalism laureate Tan Sri Johan Jaafar was reported to have said media freedom in the country had taken a massive leap after the 14th General Election (GE14) in 2018.

"We have to understand that there is no absolute freedom in the media world, or anywhere else. But overall, there is a very good change after 2018, there is encouraging freedom in terms of the media," he told national news agency Bernama.

According to him, freedom of the media begins with the commitment of the government for the media to perform its role as the fourth estate after the executive, legislature and judiciary.

The veteran journalist also said media agencies should not be deemed as opposing the government when they publish articles that are critical of the policies or actions taken by the government.

Meanwhile, Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil was reported to have said that media freedom was one of the commitments of the unity government led by Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in ensuring there was an effective check and balance process of the administration.

National Journalists Day (Hawana) celebrations which will be held in Ipoh, Perak, from May 27 to 29 this year carry the theme "Media Bebas dan Selamat, Tunjang Demokrasi (Free and Secure Media, A Pillar of Democracy)" to re-emphasise the issues of media freedom and the safety of journalists in carrying out their duties. - Bernama