SPECIFIC legislation relating to the 3R issues of religion, royalty and race, as well as the direct relationship between account holders and social media platform providers, have been identified as among the factors behind Malaysia’s decline in the World Press Freedom Index.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, however, expressed confidence that the issues could be addressed, noting that Malaysia’s standing remained relatively favourable compared with other ASEAN countries.
He said he had instructed a committee, including Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, to examine the factors that caused Malaysia to fall to 95th place in this year’s index.
“When action is taken, for example against Sin Chew Daily, it is regarded as a major issue by the international media community because it is seen as violating the principles of press freedom. In that case, however, the issue involving the national flag was resolved amicably,” Anwar pointed out.
He added that the national flag is a serious matter, even though it may not carry the same significance in other countries.
The same applies to Sinar Harian, which published the biography of the Inspector-General of Police in a manner that was linked to a political party.
“The matter was resolved with a small compound, but once action is taken against the mainstream media, our ranking immediately plunges,” he said during the Prime Minister’s Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat today.
The Prime Minister said the government would not compromise on legislation relating to the 3R issues, as it reflected a position jointly agreed upon by the Conference of Rulers.
According to Anwar, content involving factual inaccuracies or mere political criticism is not subject to enforcement action.
Instead, the government places greater emphasis on providing public clarification rather than taking enforcement measures, including offering explanations in Parliament.
The government has also strengthened the country’s legal framework, including through amendments to Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
“These amendments are intended to ensure that satirical remarks directed at the Prime Minister or other leaders are not classified as criminal offences,” said Anwar.—July 7, 2026
Main image: Free Malaysia Today
