IT is indeed encouraging to note that Malaysia has seen a creditable progression in the latest World Press Freedom Index compiled by Reporters Without Borders (RSF). As noted by M. Veera Pandiyan in his column “Plunge in popularity” (The Star, May 1), Malaysia has risen 22 places to rank 123 out of 180 countries. This may seem like a modest improvement but what is rather remarkable is the fact that Malaysia is now the highest ranked country in Asean.
Based on opinion surveys, most Malaysians are currently more concerned with the rise in the cost of living as well as other bread and butter issues than matters about media freedom and the democratic landscape that we are now witnessing in the new Malaysia. Most probably, such concepts have more resonance with the urban elites who may be perceived to be out of touch with the immediate concerns of the average Malaysian.
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