PUTRAJAYA: The World Press Freedom Index 2024 report published by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) recently is based on feedback from respondents who have filled out a number of documents or surveys, says Fahmi Fadzil.
The Communications Minister said that this was conveyed to him directly by the international non-governmental organisation (NGO) in an online meeting on Monday (May 13) to discuss the findings of the report.
"They explained that the media freedom index they reported is actually based on feedback from respondents who have filled out a number of documents or surveys and not necessarily based on their own efforts in the field," he said at the post-Cabinet meeting press conference here Wednesday (May 15).
Fahmi, who is also the unity government's spokesman, said that during the meeting, RSF also expressed their willingness to collaborate with the Malaysian government in efforts to improve aspects of media freedom in the country.
The World Press Freedom Index 2024 report published by RSF recently showed Malaysia's position in the index dropping 34 places to 107th compared to 73rd last year, with a score of 52.07 points.
Touching on the National Journalists' Day (Hawana) 2024 celebration at the end of this month, Fahmi said media practitioners from the South-East Asian region are also invited to attend the three-day event starting on May 25 in Kuching, Sarawak.
"For this year, we are also opening the space to media colleagues from the South-East Asian region; invitations have been sent out for discussions as part of the preparation towards Malaysia assuming the Asean chairmanship next year.
"We hope that the close ties among media colleagues from the South-East Asian region will further strengthen media freedom and journalism activities in the region," he said.
Hawana 2024 carries the theme '‘Etika Teras Kewartawanan Mapan’ and the highlight of the celebration will be officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on May 27. - Bernama
