05-05-2025
WFH and PdPR during Asean Summit not finalised yet
On the ground: Fahmi (in printed shirt) mingling with members of the public who are undergoing free health screenings at IWK Ecopark Pantai Dalam, Kuala Lumpur. — Bernama
KUALA LUMPUR: The government has yet to finalise a proposal for civil servants to work from home (WFH) and for students to undergo home-based teaching and learning (PdPR) during the Asean Summit scheduled for the end of this month, says Datuk Fahmi Fadzil.
The Communications Minister and Madani government spokesman said the matter was discussed two weeks ago and is currently being reviewed in detail by the Asean Secretariat at Wisma Putra.
'The focus is on those working in or around the Asean Summit venue and areas where several major meetings will be held.
'I believe we will have more information after the upcoming Cabinet meeting, either this week or next,' he told reporters after attending the Universiti Malaya Public Health Campaign: Diabetes is not a barrier here yesterday, Bernama reported.
Previously, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said the WFH and PdPR proposals for the Asean Summits in May and October would be brought to the Cabinet, following concerns over disruptions caused by road closures during Chinese President Xi Jinping's recent state visit.
Separately, Fahmi said the government's goal is not merely to see Malaysia's position improve in the Press Freedom Index, but more importantly, to support media practitioners who are now facing the evolution of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
He said currently, media practitioners are dealing with various urgent challenges, including employment issues, welfare concerns and the rise of AI, which raises fears over whether it could replace the role of journalists.
'In this regard, the World Press Freedom Index 2025 report released by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) presents an opportunity for the government to enhance efforts to defend the interests of media practitioners,' he said.
Malaysia improved its standing in the World Press Freedom Index 2025, climbing 19 spots to 88th place, the second highest in Asean behind Thailand, which ranks 85th.
Fahmi, who is also Lembah Pantai MP, said several government efforts, including the drafting of legislation for the Malaysian Media Council, have contributed to the positive outcome in the country's ranking.
'We hope that by National Journalists Day, the council or its founding board can be formed. This would be a positive and significant step forward,' he added.
Fahmi also expressed his readiness to meet with representatives from media groups such as journalist clubs, the National Union of Journalists Malaysia and Malaysian Press Institute to discuss guidelines on AI use in journalism.
Commenting on the 3R (race, religion, royalty) issue raised by RSF in the report, Fahmi stressed the importance of balancing freedom of expression with adherence to existing laws.
'We cannot allow misinformation, including content that touches on 3R issues and disrupts public order, to spread unchecked.'
