Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil met with Reporters Without Borders (RSF) over this year’s World Press Freedom Index on Monday, where RSF expressed readiness to cooperate with the government to increase press freedom in the country.
He also extended an invitation to the press freedom watchdog to the National Journalists’ Day (Hawana) 2024 celebration at the end of the month.
“In the meeting that was held online, we discussed the statements and reports RSF made.
“RSF actually said that it was happy to receive the engagement with the ministry and is prepared to continue cooperating with the government to see what we can do to increase press freedom in our country.
“It also explained that the World Press Freedom Index is based on the responses of respondents who filled out a number of surveys and is not necessarily based on its own work on the ground,” Fahmi told a press conference at his ministry in Putrajaya today.
On May 3, RSF revealed that Malaysia placed 107th in its World Press Freedom rankings this year, dropping 34 spots from 73rd last year.
For the first time in three years, Malaysia did not top the rankings for Asean countries with Thailand attaining 87th place.
Fahmi previously defended the ranking, saying that it was still considered good when compared to the rankings attained during previous governments.
Perikatan Nasional MP Wan Saiful Wan Jan blamed Fahmi for the ranking, pointing out that Malaysia’s position was worse than Israel’s, which was in 101st place.
Hawana 2024
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim will inaugurate this year’s Hawana summit on May 27, Fahmi said.
“If they (RSF representatives) can be there then we will definitely continue the discussion,” he added.
Invitations have also been issued to media organisations across Southeast Asia, he said, so that discussions can be held on press freedom.
This is one of the preparatory steps Malaysia is taking ahead of it chairing the Asean meeting next year, the minister explained.
Hawana 2024 will be held in Kuching, Sarawak from May 25 to 27. - Mkini
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