Media freedom guaranteed, but don't use it to divide country, says PM Anwar

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has emphasised that the government is firm in its stance to guarantee media freedom in the country. However, media freedom cannot be used to undermine the country's unity and harmony, including stirring up 3R issues (race, religion and royalty). 

Anwar made this statement during the Malaysian Journalists' Night 2024 in conjunction with the Malaysian Journalism Prize (HKM) MPI-Petronas 2023. 

During the same speech, the Prime Minister said that Malaysia is capable of becoming a great and brave nation if its journalists can focus on reporting with the aim of ensuring peace and highlighting the country's progress and goals. 

Don't miss: Media freedom crucial, but requires limits to protect national harmony, says PM Anwar 

The goals include issues related to peace, economy, culture, religion and digital advancements. 

Anwar also urged Malaysians to improve their command of the English language. That said, the Malay language will still remain as the official language or lingua franca of Malaysia, he said. 

This comes after Anwar made a similar speech at a National Journalists' Day celebration in May 2024. 

At the celebration, with more than 1,000 local and international media practitioners present, the prime minister reportedly said that democracy requires a free media, which entails the space and freedom to express ideas, views and information. 

However, media freedom needs to be tied to the code of ethics, said Anwar in a statement released after the celebration. The code of ethics, according to Anwar, raises the rank and dignity of media practitioners. 

At the same time, media freedom needs to have limits too, said Anwar, adding that the media cannot be used by certain groups to divide and sow the seeds of enmity between races and religions that can destroy the country. 

In the same statement, Anwar explained that journalists today have a big challenge to carry out the role of spreading the truth in an era where truth is becoming more relative and confusing. 

Photo courtesy Anwar Ibrahim, Facebook

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