02-05-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Improved rankings show country's commitment to journalistic reform, freedom, says union chief
KUALA LUMPUR: The improved standing of Malaysia in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index is a testament to the country's commitment to media reforms and journalistic freedom, said National Union of Journalists Malaysia (NUJ) president Low Boon Tat.
"Today we celebrate World Press Freedom Day, a day to honour the courage of journalists who speak truth to power. Press freedom is a cornerstone of democracy and a transparent society.
"Congratulations to Malaysia for now ranking 88th in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index. This shows there is still room for improvement to ensure our media remains free and upholds integrity.
"We stand with journalists and photojournalists not just today, but every day in pursuit of truth, justice and freedom of expression," he said.
Malaysia rose 19 places to 88th in the latest index by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), with a score of 56.09 — up from 52.07 last year when it ranked 107th.
NUJ-NSTP branch chairman Farah Marshita Abdul Patah said the formation of the Malaysian Media Council had been instrumental in this progress.
"This improvement is encouraging and shows that we are heading in the right direction. The formation of the Malaysian Media Council has contributed to this positive development," she said.
However, she stressed that sustained improvement would require legislative reform.
"There is still room for improvement, especially in reviewing legislation such as the Printing Presses and Publications Act. If we maintain this pace and reduce government interference, we can move toward greater press independence," she added.
Malaysia now ranks second among Asean countries in the index, behind Thailand at 85th. Other regional rankings include Brunei (97th), the Philippines (116th), Singapore (123rd), Indonesia (127th), Laos (150th), Cambodia (161st), Myanmar (169th), and Vietnam (173rd).
The index assesses 180 countries and territories across five key indicators: political context, legal framework, economic context, sociocultural context and safety of journalists.
