The Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ) Malaysia expresses serious concern over Malaysia’s drop from 88th to 95th in Reporters Without Borders’ 2026 World Press Freedom Index.
Globally, we are seeing an unprecedented number of killings of journalists in Gaza, Palestine, Sudan and the Philippines, and a significant trust deficit in mainstream media.
Thus, Malaysia’s decline is not just a symbolic decline as it reflects real and worsening conditions for press freedom globally and in the country.
Malaysia’s overall score has fallen from 56.09 to 52.73, with notable deterioration across key indicators, particularly in the legal, social and economic environments for journalism.
This is especially disheartening as the entry into force of the Malaysian Media Council Act 2025 should have provided the “Madani” (trustworthy) government the opportunity to demonstrate a commitment to promoting a free and independent media.
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Malaysia still maintains an arsenal of draconian legislation that are often weaponised to curb media freedom. The growing pattern of legal crackdowns, intimidation and harassment of journalists signals a troubling ecosystem.
Recent cases underscore these issues against journalists, fostering a culture of fear within the media.
Malaysiakini journalist B Nantha Kumar faced investigation under Section 203A of the Penal Code and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act (CMA), followed by a police raid on his home, after reporting on a proposed migrant worker recruitment system, a matter of governance and public interest.
Likewise, former Free Malaysia Today journalist Rex Tan was arrested under Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act, Section 505(c) of the Penal Code, and Section 233 of the CMA after posing a question at a public lecture, and was subsequently harassed, threatened and doxed online, jeopardising his personal safety.
These incidents reflect how excessive legal measures, intimidation and threats beyond formal proceedings can deter journalists from carrying out their work, undermining press freedom and the public’s right to information.
The increasing use of laws and regulatory pressure against media outlets and reporters must stop. Journalists should not face intimidation for doing their jobs, especially when reporting on issues of public interest such as corruption, governance failures and sensitive “three R” (race, religion, royalty) matters.
Censoring or penalising the media for scrutinising power undermines transparency, weakens democratic accountability and erodes public trust.
A government committed to reform must protect – and not punish – independent journalism. – CIJ
Wathshlah G Naidu is the executive director of the Centre for Independent Journalism.
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