PUTRAJAYA, May 17 – Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil expressed skepticism over Malaysia’s low ranking of 107 out of 180 countries in the 2024 World Press Freedom Index, attributing it to the data collection method used by Reporters Without Borders (RSF). Fahmi pointed out that the index relied on survey responses rather than direct, on-the-ground research by RSF.
Following a recent meeting with RSF, Fahmi highlighted the organization’s willingness to collaborate with the Malaysian government to enhance press freedom. He noted that RSF’s annual report, released on May 3, indicated a significant drop in Malaysia’s score from 62.83 to 52.07 points across five indicators: political, economic, legislative, social, and security. Fahmi affirmed the government’s commitment to reviewing RSF’s report and recommendations for improving press freedom in Malaysia.
