MALAYSIA'S WORLD PRESS FREEDOM INDEX LEAP TO 88TH PLACE POSITIVE DEVELOPMENT - MEDIA EXPERTS

By Suraidah Roslan

KUALA LUMPUR, May 3 (Bernama) -- Malaysia’s leap up to 88th place on the World Press Freedom Index is a sure sign of positive developments in the media industry and bodes well for freedom of speech in the country.

Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Shah Alam Public Relations Programme Coordinator Melina Mahfuz said the improved ranking indicated that space media occupied as watchdogs of the government and public institutions - an expanding role so vital to a democratic system.

“The ranking boost shows progress in information access, reduced pressure on the role and governance of journalists and positive developments in legal framework relating to freedom of speech, she told Bernama, while urging reforms to outdated laws like the Sedition Act 1948 and Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 to prevent excessive speech restrictions.

“These Acts are still needed in a multiracial country like Malaysia but should be refined if Malaysian press freedom is to be viewed favourably in the eyes of the world,” she added.

Melina also recommended that attention be placed on several aspects, including strengthening laws relating to media freedoms, transparency in accessing information and media literacy education if Malaysia wished to further improve its rankings.

Fellow academician, Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) senior lecturer, Assoc Prof Dr Lee Kuok Tiung said the rise in rankings marked a rebound from last year’s rankings and suggested that social media controls needed to be strengthened to curb fake news.

"We need control mechanisms not to suppress, but to combat the spread of fake news and scams online,” he stressed.

Meanwhile, Malaysian Press Institute (MPI) president Datuk Yong Soo Heong said Malaysia's improved ranking in the index represented a highly significant development as it reflects greater media freedoms in the country.

"This enhanced level of freedom should inspire local media to be more creative in their writing and storytelling while adhering to responsible principles that respect the sensitivities of our multiracial society.

"MPI also hopes this rise in the Reporters Without Borders (RSF) ranking will encourage more inclusive and genuine storytelling, as this is crucial for giving voice and space to our diverse communities in fostering constructive interethnic dialogue to advance national development," he added.

Kuching Journalists Association vice president Zulazhar Sheblee also welcomed the rise in ranking but cautioned against complacency as there was still room to strengthen media freedoms in terms of accessing information, journalist protection and safety and to reduce political pressure on media.

“We also cannot allow social media to be an easy way to spread fake news and slander. It’s not about restricting freedoms, but to curb abuse that ultimately destroys the reputation of mainstream media,” he pointed out.

Sabah Journalists Association President Mariah Doksil was another media practitioner who viewed the rising ranking as a good sign but stressed on the need for media rights outlined in Article 19 of the United Nations (UN) Declaration to be fulfilled.

“Media freedom isn’t just about what’s allowed to be said but how we use the power responsibly.

“In Sabah, media freedoms exist but access to critical information remains limited especially when navigating through the bureaucratic red tape of government agencies,” she said.

The new rankings, based on assessments by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), place Malaysia in second place in the ASEAN region, behind Thailand, in 85th position.

-- BERNAMA