KUCHING, Malaysia: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has said saving the nation and protecting people’s rights were more important than getting good grades for international recognition.
PM Anwar said he did not mind that Malaysia was downgraded in the 2024 World Press Freedom Index report recently released by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) as the country was tough against racists and religious bigotry.
“I don’t mind; it does not matter if you are downgraded because we are tough against the racists and religious bigots because to my mind to save this country, to protect the rights of the majority and the rights of minorities is more important than to get high marks on international recognition,” PM Anwar said when officiating at the National Journalists’ Day (Hawana) 2024 celebration.
He said if racism, fascism or religious bigotry is allowed to flourish, the possibility of religious disharmony must be anticipated.
The World Press Freedom Index 2024 report showed that Malaysia’s position in the index fell 34 places to 107th spot, with a score of 52.07 points, compared to 73rd position in 2023.
He said a vibrant democracy needs free media, space and freedom to express ideas, views and information to mature.
In lack of freedom, there will be no digestion of the great and magnificent literature, cultural and political works. All this cannot be digested without the freedom to express oneself properly. But what are the limits?
The limitations are that we are using the space to sow division and hostility that undermines the fabric of this country. That is why we have the duty and the political will to set the necessary limits, PM Anwar said.
“It may not be well-received by some perspectives, especially in the West, which is why I say that in this post-normal era, described as chaotic, complex and full of conflicts, we also need to think about the correct methods,” he said.
The Prime Minister said the advice not to agitate issues related to the 3Rs (religion, race and royalty) is not intended to intimidate or suggest that they should not be “touched” at all; Rather, it is about protecting the country from division.
Furthermore, the PM said that racial issues can be discussed, opinions suggested and presented. Nowadays it is stated that 3R topics cannot be discussed, but only 3R topics that are destructive and divisive, incite hatred and insult race or religion are not allowed.
“But if you discuss (for example) the need for certain views (involving 3R issues), that is not a problem. So don’t use the argument that (3R issues) cannot be touched (at all); that is completely untrue,” said Anwar.
Regarding the role of the media, PM Anwar said that it has much greater responsibilities and challenges than the previous generation, especially in strengthening dignity and building a new humanity.
“That’s why there needs to be a code of ethics. Journalistic ethics are not something imposed by the authorities or the government, but a code to uphold the dignity and status of the nation. Elevating the status of the nation means embracing new realms including digital and AI (artificial intelligence), but we must never forget to stay rooted to the ground.”
“Staying rooted means upholding human values, moral values and ethics because humanity is not sustained solely by AI, development or infrastructure, but it is sustained by physical strength, the beauty of technology and human values. These are our greatest values,” said Anwar.
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