A PKR lawmaker has taken a snide swipe at the Perikatan Nasional government after Malaysia dropped 18 places on the Reporters Without Border's (RSF) annual press freedom index.
Lembah Pantai MP Fahmi Fadzil said this was one of the PN government's "successes".
"This is another 'success' for the PN government. I especially wish to congratulate the Communications and Multimedia Minister (Saifuddin Abdullah) on this 'success' that we are very 'proud' of," Fahmi said in a statement today.
Ranked 119, Malaysia is sandwiched between the Republic of Congo and Nigeria.
RSF said that Malaysia's press freedom situation improved dramatically after the 2018 elections, but things have gone in reverse since Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin took over.
It cited harassment of the media as one area of concern.
On a serious note, Fahmi said the press must not be restrained or fear their government.
As such, he said four steps must be taken to ensure a free press, namely to create an independent media council; to repeal the fake news ordinance which criminalises "fake news" on Covid-19 and the emergency; repealing the Printing Presses and Publications Act and amending the Communications and Multimedia Act, and for Parliament to be reconvened. - Mkini
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