Fahmi meets Reporters Without Borders, discusses enhancing media freedom

PUTRAJAYA: Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil has met Reporters Without Borders (RSF) to discuss, among other things, clarification on the Malaysian Code of Ethics for Journalists and media accreditation card, and proposals for cooperation to enhance the level of media freedom in Malaysia.

He said other proposals discussed with the non-governmental organisation on Friday (March 8) included cooperation opportunities with media organisations in the South East Asian region, considering Malaysia will hold the Asean Chair in 2025.

“This marks the first time RSF has conducted such a lengthy visit (five days) to Malaysia after opening an office for the Asia Pacific. I was told they intend to return and hold more meetings to understand the context and hear from various parties about the current situation.

“So, we hope that with the openness that we can demonstrate, Malaysia and the government, in particular, can understand the context in terms of best practices so that media freedom can be expanded,” he said at a press conference here on Friday.

Fahmi said RSF also highlighted the fact that one of the major issues affecting the world is the spread of fake news and information.

“So RSF has indicated that there are several charters or documents that can be extended to the Communications Ministry for our research, in addition to looking at international structures to improve standards or regulatory aspects that are best practices as implemented in other countries,” he said.

Fahmi said the RSF visit provided a good opportunity for the government to understand from the perspective of NGOs like RSF about what is being pursued, and RSF sees Malaysia as one of the most progressive countries in terms of media freedom in South East Asia.

“This is a good opportunity for us to look at aspects that can be improved, and so far we have an organisation like Ikatan Setia Kawan Wartawan Malaysia-Indonesia (Iswami) connecting Malaysian and Indonesian media.

“After discussions with RSF, I see an opportunity to study the media network at the Asean level and the role Malaysia can play in helping to improve the quality of journalism and practices among media organisations,” he said.

Asked on Perikatan Nasional leader Datuk Wan Saiful Wan Jan’s claim that the nation is witnessing a ‘slow murder’ of media freedom-related reforms under the leadership of Pakatan Harapan, Fahmi dismissed the allegation and questioned Wan Saiful’s silence when Al Jazeera journalists were expelled from Malaysia in 2020.

Fahmi said when he raised the issue in 2021, Wan Saiful did not say anything.

“Where was Wan Saiful when those reporters taken in were investigated? Subsequently, their permits were withdrawn and (they were) unceremoniously expelled. Where was he when I was attacked in Parliament for my stance defending Al Jazeera’s reporters in 2021? He was nowhere (to be seen),” he said.- BK