Press freedom progress encouraging, but key issues remain

New Straits Times

04-05-2025

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's climb to 19th place in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index marks encouraging progress, but there are still many challenges affecting the media industry that must be addressed, Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said.
The Communications Minister said the government's goal is not merely to see the country's ranking improve but to ensure that all aspects of press freedom are strengthened and continuously improved.
"Our goal is not just to see Malaysia's position in media freedom indices improve.
"But I recognise that our media colleagues are facing many challenges that need to be addressed urgently.
"These include issues such as employment, welfare, and concerns about the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). Will AI replace journalists? This is a significant issue we are facing.
"This report allows us to reflect and redouble our efforts to advocate for the welfare of our media practitioners," he told reporters after launching the Universiti Malaya Public Health Campaign today.
On the proposal from the National Union of Journalists Malaysia (NUJM) to collaborate on establishing ethical guidelines for AI usage, Fahmi said he would make time to meet with the union's representatives this week.
He added that in addition to NUJM, his ministry would also arrange meetings with journalist associations and the Malaysian Press Institute (MPI).
"We do need guidelines and understanding so that we can benefit from AI and not fall victim to misinformation or the misuse of AI, especially in the media," he said.
Yesterday, NUJM expressed concern about the increasing use of AI technology in the journalism industry, which brings both potential benefits and risks.
The union's secretary-general, Teh Athira Mohamed Yusof, said NUJM is ready to collaborate with the Malaysian Media Council, which was established by the government, to develop ethical guidelines on AI usage.