Media freedom in Malaysia: Rhetoric or reality?
COMMENT | At the heart of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's speech during the National Journalists' Day 2025 was a powerful message: media freedom is a pillar of democracy that must be preserved.
His words resonated with the ideals of press liberty, echoing the philosophies of Noam Chomsky and Thomas Jefferson on the perils of 'manufacturing consent' and 'tyranny of the majority'.
But beyond the grandeur of the podium and the eloquence of democratic aspirations, one must ask: Is there real media freedom in Malaysia? Or is it still a freedom carefully rationed, enjoyed only within the invisible lines drawn by power?
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Sun
2 hours ago
- The Sun
New Sepak Takraw Academy to nurture talent, host matches, and boost PSM income with RM6 million MADANI Government funding.
KOTA BHARU: The setting up of the Malaysian Sepak Takraw Academy is expected to serve as a catalyst for the development of new talent in the sport as well as pave the way for the Malaysian Sepak Takraw Association (PSM) to generate new sources of income. Chairman of the Athletes Education Committee under the PSM Sepak Takraw Development Bureau, Prof Dr Mohad Anizu Mohd Nor said the immediate allocation of RM6 million announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim yesterday would enable the academy to be fully equipped and function comprehensively. He said it would serve as a training centre, official match venue, administrative office and also provide dormitory facilities. 'This allows PSM to train more new grassroot talents besides generating income when it can attract international collaboration for promotion and training, besides organising competitions,' he told Bernama. According to Mohad Anizu, the academy is also expected to strengthen the status of sepak takraw which has the potential to be re-instated as a national core sport after being dropped in 2017. 'A rebranding of PSM is also being pursued so that this academy remains relevant as the official national sepak takraw training centre,' he said. Yesterday, the MADANI Government agreed to expedite the approval of allocations for the establishment of the Malaysian Sepak Takraw Academy, so that it can materialise by year-end. Anwar was reported to have said that the government would ensure that the proposal to establish the academy becomes a reality.
The Sun
2 hours ago
- The Sun
Malaysian Sepak Takraw Academy closer to reality
KOTA BHARU: The setting up of the Malaysian Sepak Takraw Academy is expected to serve as a catalyst for the development of new talent in the sport as well as pave the way for the Malaysian Sepak Takraw Association (PSM) to generate new sources of income. Chairman of the Athletes Education Committee under the PSM Sepak Takraw Development Bureau, Prof Dr Mohad Anizu Mohd Nor said the immediate allocation of RM6 million announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim yesterday would enable the academy to be fully equipped and function comprehensively. He said it would serve as a training centre, official match venue, administrative office and also provide dormitory facilities. 'This allows PSM to train more new grassroot talents besides generating income when it can attract international collaboration for promotion and training, besides organising competitions,' he told Bernama. According to Mohad Anizu, the academy is also expected to strengthen the status of sepak takraw which has the potential to be re-instated as a national core sport after being dropped in 2017. 'A rebranding of PSM is also being pursued so that this academy remains relevant as the official national sepak takraw training centre,' he said. Yesterday, the MADANI Government agreed to expedite the approval of allocations for the establishment of the Malaysian Sepak Takraw Academy, so that it can materialise by year-end. Anwar was reported to have said that the government would ensure that the proposal to establish the academy becomes a reality.
Malay Mail
2 hours ago
- Malay Mail
Anwar hails progress on LCS project, stresses importance of good governance
LUMUT, June 15 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has expressed his satisfaction with the progress of the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) construction by Lumut Naval Shipyard (Lunas) at the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) base here, describing it as commendable. He said the progress demonstrated the government's strong commitment to prioritising national security assets and reflected the Madani government's emphasis on good governance. 'We regard the RMN as a key line of defence, as our waters are not immune to threats such as terrorism, potential foreign incursions and smuggling. That is why I agreed for the LCS project to continue under the Finance Ministry. 'Previous delays stemmed from weak management, governance issues and corruption. If the management is poor, how can we ensure maritime security? That's why good governance is essential,' he said in his speech at the Kenduri Rakyat programme held in conjunction with the Perak Madani Rakyat Programme 2025 at Shariff Hall, RMN Lumut here today. Also present was Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil. Earlier, the prime minister visited the Lunas facility at the RMN base to inspect the ongoing LCS construction works. Meanwhile, Anwar said the government remains attentive to the need to enhance the country's defence assets, with the Defence Ministry being among the ministries receiving the largest allocations in the annual budget. 'Defence ranks third (in terms of allocation), after education and health. For 2025 alone, RM21.2 billion has been allocated - a significant amount for a developing nation,' he said. He added that the move reflected the government's appreciation of the sacrifices made by the security forces and was aimed at ensuring national stability, which is crucial for economic growth. Anwar also said he is often moved when learning of the poor condition of certain security assets that are still in use to safeguard the nation. 'That's why, upon the formation of the Madani Government, I called in all the armed forces chiefs and asked them to outline their priority needs. Based on that, we work to secure sufficient funding to improve our defence machinery and assets,' he said. — Bernama
