Improved rankings show country's commitment to journalistic reform, freedom, says union chief
"Today we celebrate World Press Freedom Day, a day to honour the courage of journalists who speak truth to power. Press freedom is a cornerstone of democracy and a transparent society.
"Congratulations to Malaysia for now ranking 88th in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index. This shows there is still room for improvement to ensure our media remains free and upholds integrity.
"We stand with journalists and photojournalists not just today, but every day in pursuit of truth, justice and freedom of expression," he said.
Malaysia rose 19 places to 88th in the latest index by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), with a score of 56.09 — up from 52.07 last year when it ranked 107th.
NUJ-NSTP branch chairman Farah Marshita Abdul Patah said the formation of the Malaysian Media Council had been instrumental in this progress.
"This improvement is encouraging and shows that we are heading in the right direction. The formation of the Malaysian Media Council has contributed to this positive development," she said.
However, she stressed that sustained improvement would require legislative reform.
"There is still room for improvement, especially in reviewing legislation such as the Printing Presses and Publications Act. If we maintain this pace and reduce government interference, we can move toward greater press independence," she added.
Malaysia now ranks second among Asean countries in the index, behind Thailand at 85th. Other regional rankings include Brunei (97th), the Philippines (116th), Singapore (123rd), Indonesia (127th), Laos (150th), Cambodia (161st), Myanmar (169th), and Vietnam (173rd).
The index assesses 180 countries and territories across five key indicators: political context, legal framework, economic context, sociocultural context and safety of journalists.
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Malay Mail
an hour ago
- Malay Mail
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Under former Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra's tenuous leadership in Thailand—shaken by internal dissent and the recent leak of a sensitive call with Cambodia's former Prime Minister Hun Sen—has become entangled with border politics. Cambodia's new leader, Hun Manet, son of the very man embroiled in the leaked call, is also under pressure to assert national sovereignty and military strength. Thus, what began as a tragic mine incident has become the centrepiece of a nationalist contest for legitimacy. The tragedy, however, extends beyond the personal losses and political theatre. Civilians living along the border have been forced to suspend cross-border trade, cancel market days, and live in fear of triggering mines that should have never been there. Local livelihoods, already strained by Covid-19's economic aftershocks, are now undermined by geopolitics disguised as territorial vigilance. Even more troubling is Asean's silence. 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Free Malaysia Today
2 hours ago
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The Sun
3 hours ago
- The Sun
Malaysia boosts intra-ASEAN trade to reduce global dependence
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