Press Freedom Index : It’s Not Appropriate to use Other Country as a Reference – Ahmad Zahid
KUALA LUMPUR: The World Press Freedom Index 2024 report published by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) should not use any country as a benchmark. Instead, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said Malaysia, being composed of diverse ethnicities, is bound to refrain from openly discussing sensitive issues as it could jeopardize harmony.
“We cannot use the benchmark of any particular country; it must be tailored to the sensitivities of Malaysian society, which comprises not only diverse ethnicities, cultures, and religions but also includes our monarchs.
“In my opinion, it should be tailored by the Malaysian society regardless of race,” he told reporters after officiating the GAPENA House Complex and attending an Aidilfitri celebration with writers here on Sunday.
He made the remarks when asked to comment on Malaysia’s position at 107th place in the World Press Freedom Index 2024 published by RSF, compared to 73rd place last year.
Among ASEAN countries, Malaysia ranks second, surpassed by Thailand at 87th place, followed by Indonesia (111), Brunei (117), Singapore (126), the Philippines (134), Cambodia (151), Laos (153), Myanmar (171), and Vietnam (174).
Further commenting, Ahmad Zahid urged the Ministry of Communications, Digital Economy, Education, and Higher Education to look into the matter so that media freedom issues can be re-elevated by focusing on self-regulation.
