Taking criticism in good faith

June 12, 2024

KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia’s press freedom ranking taking a dive should prompt the government to reflect on its performance in this area, not become overly sensitive about it.

YOU are invited as a guest of the Malaysian government to attend an event officiated by the country’s leaders. It will be telecast live on national TV stations.

During the speeches by the VIPs, your organisation is mentioned – but not in a good way. How do you react?

That was what happened during the National Journalists Day (Hawana) celebrations two weeks ago: A representative of the Reporters Without Borders (RSF) NGO was present as guest of honour when Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim dismissed Malaysia being downgraded in the RSF World Press Freedom Index this year.

Touching on press freedom, Anwar said democracy required a free media which entailed the space and freedom to express ideas and views, and share information.

“If you allow racism to flourish or religious bigotry to have a free hand in this country, then you must expect racial strife and religious disharmony.

“I don’t mind if we are downgraded by RSF because we come down hard on racists and religious bigots. Protecting religious minorities and harmony is more important than getting high marks on an international index,” said Anwar.

Malaysia’s ranking in the 2024 World Press Freedom Index declined 34 places from 73rd in 2023.

Anwar’s view of the index was rather dismissive, to say the least. It is a bitter pill to swallow. And it is deja vu, really.

When Malaysia was ranked 119th in 2021, Anwar’s party, Parti Keadilan Nasional, then in the Opposition, was quick to lambast the Perikatan Nasional government.

Fahmi Fadzil, who was the Keadilan Communications director