Gov't committed to press freedom, says Saifuddin

Communications and Multimedia Minister Saifuddin Abdullah said the federal government was committed to upholding press freedom.

"At the same time, press freedom must be in line with the principles of truth and justice," he said in a statement in conjunction with World Press Freedom Day today.

He said apart from informing the public, the press' role was also to prevent the spread of false information which could threaten the stability and national harmony.

While expressing pride that Malaysia was climbing up the Reporters Without Borders (RSF) press freedom ranking in recent years, Saifuddin (photo) said more needs to done to improve.

"We need to work harder to increase Malaysia's position in the press freedom ranking. More importantly, we should ensure the role of the press in a participatory approach with other stakeholders such as government, businesses and civil society as partners in development," he said.

In 1993, the United Nations General Assembly declared May 3 to be World Press Freedom Day. - Mkini