Malaysia continues climb in press freedom rankings

Malaysia has continued to climb up the Reporters Without Borders (RSF) press freedom ranking, citing a more "relaxed" environment for journalists.

According to RSF's press freedom rankings for 2020, Malaysia rose 22 rungs and was now ranked 101 out of 180 countries monitored.

This is the second year in a row Malaysia has climbed the rankings. It is also the second year in a row where Malaysia was named as the country making the biggest jump in standings.

At rank 101, RSF considered Malaysia's press freedom situation was comparable to Ethiopia (99), Paraguay (100), Lebanon (102) and Kenya (103).

Since the RSF started to conduct rankings in 2002, Malaysia had placed favourably during the Ahmad Abdullah Badawi administration before taking a turn for the worst during the Najib Abdul Razak administration.

RSF's study period for the previous two years, which saw Malaysia climb 44 spots, coincided with the Dr Mahathir Mohamad administration.

Describing Malaysia's press freedom situation as a "breath of fresh air", RSF said the general environment for journalists was "much more relaxed" and that "self-censorship has declined dramatically".

It said that the print media was now offering "fuller and more balanced range of viewpoints" and that it offered content which supported the new ruling coalition and the old.

Meanwhile, Malaysia has also climbed out of RSF's "difficult situation" category and moved into the "problematic situation" category.

RSF categorises countries into five categories as follows - "Good", "Satisfactory", "Problematic", "Difficult" and "Very serious".

It said that while Malaysia has kept its promise to repeal anti-fake news laws, other laws that suppressed press freedoms remain, such as the Sedition Act 1948, Official Secrets Act 1972 and Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 remain.

"Under these laws, which need a complete overhaul, the authorities have strict control over publication licences and journalists can be sentenced to 20 years in prison on sedition charges.

"They pose a constant threat to media personnel, who still cannot express themselves with complete freedom, despite all the progress," said the RSF. - Mkini