PM defends ‘tough action’ on 3R, says RSF downgrade ‘doesn’t matter’

 

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim today defended the government’s “tough action” against inflammatory speeches, which indirectly contributed to Malaysia’s downgrade in the annual Reporters Without Borders annual World Press Freedom Index.

In his speech at the National Journalists’ Day (Hawana) 2024, held in Kuching, Sarawak this year, Anwar noted RSF’s criticisms against the government as well as the attendance of the organisation’s representative at the event.

“If we allow racism to flourish, fascism or religious bigotry to have free rein in this country, we must anticipate friction, racial strife, and religious disharmony.

“Of course, we are being criticised, our colleague from RSF is here,” said Anwar, in reference to RSF Asia-Pacific bureau director Cedric Alviani.

Malaysia’s position in the World Press Freedom Index fell 34 places to 107th position compared to 73 last year, with a score of 52.07 points.

RSF Asia-Pacific bureau director Cedric Alviani

“I don’t mind. It does not matter if we are downgraded because we are tough against the racists and the religious bigots.

“Because in my mind, saving this country, protecting the rights of the majority and the minorities is more important than getting high marks or international recognition,” said Anwar to claps from the gathered guests comprising local top media editors and journalists, media NGOs, as well as a foreign delegation from across Asean.

Drawing the line on free press

Anwar said prior to taking office as prime minister, he had travelled the world as an opposition leader and received international accolades for his views on the need for a free press.

In his current position of power, he reaffirmed there will be no compromise of his stand on the importance of a free media.

“We must allow that space or else democracy will not mature. But where do we draw the line?” he said, stressing the importance of a media code of ethics that rises above external controlling factors including the government or media owners.

“I choose to be open and frank with you because this is precisely the challenge we face.

“I want to become the prime minister that upholds the principles of free media but we have to draw the line,” he said.

The prime minister further stressed that a line should be drawn over alleged attempts to incite racial hatred or sentiments against the royal institution, citing the example of the recent controversy surrounding media reports on a purported casino project in Forest City, Johor, indirectly linked to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

He said there is a need for actions to protect the royal institution and the king as a symbol of unity.

“You cannot drag him through this mud of politics.

“We have decided that while you are permitted to criticise or disagree with the prime minister or the government, you cannot incite racial hatred, go against the royal institution or fan the flames of religious fanaticism,” he said, adding that those unfamiliar with Malaysia may not understand such measures.

Separately, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil in his opening speech said the ministry is in the final stages of setting up an independent Malaysian Media Council (MMC), which has been in the works since 2018.

He said the government is in the process of preparing an impact analysis of the draft MMC bill, expected for tabling in Parliament in October - the last sitting for this year.

The three-day Hawana celebration gathered media practitioners for a series of events under the theme “Ethics as Foundation for Sustainable Journalism”. - Mkini