KUALA LUMPUR – The Western approach to press freedom is ill-suited for Malaysia, particularly when assessing delicate matters involving the 3Rs (race, religion, and royalty), according to Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
Zahid emphasised the necessity of adapting to accommodate the sensitivities of Malaysia’s multicultural and multi-religious society.
“We (Malaysia) have monarchs, we also have questions (about the index) that I believe are supported by the public, regardless of ethnicity. Experts have concluded that Western standards are not congruent with the current dynamics of our country, (and) this assessment is accurate.
“Indeed, we cannot use the standards of some countries as a benchmark for us,” he said.
Zahid said this after officiating the Federation of National Writers Association (Gapena) complex, here this afternoon.
Earlier, he addressed the Reporters Without Borders’ (RSF) report on the World Press Freedom Index 2024, which depicted Malaysia’s drop by 34 places.
This downgrade puts Malaysia in 107th place, compared to 73rd in the previous year.
Malaysia’s score also dropped to 52.07 points from last year’s 62.83 points.
Zahid highlighted the necessity for the public to acknowledge the excessive politicisation and debate surrounding 3R-related issues.
“In my view, there needs to be equilibrium, and we mustn’t resort to legislative measures for control but rather exercise self-regulation, particularly among writers, to avoid reckless dissemination of information.
“In this regard, the Communications Ministry, alongside the Education Ministry and the Higher Education Ministry, can take proactive measures to foster media freedom through self-regulation among writers and individuals,” Zahid said.
He also noted his intention to present Gapena’s request for ownership rights to the land it currently rents to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
“They have applied because this land is federal property leased to Gapena. Hence, they have requested permanent ownership rights. Insha’Allah (God willing), I will bring this matter to the prime minister,” he said. – May 5, 2024