Slump in press freedom ranking due to ‘iron-fisted’ policies, claims Wan Saiful

Former Bersatu communications chief Wan Saiful Wan Jan says journalists and social media activists are intimidated by legal action, thus stifling free speech.

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s slump from 73rd to 107th place in the World Press Freedom Index proves the “iron-fisted” nature of the current government, Perikatan Nasional MP Wan Saiful Wan Jan said.

“It is clear that government promises of media freedom guarantees are false, and this freedom today is in a critical state,” the former Bersatu communications chief said in a Facebook post today.

He said this year’s Reporters Without Borders report, released yesterday, highlights the government’s performance in 2023.

On the other hand, he said, Malaysia’s leap up the rankings to 73rd last year was a reflection of the former PN administration in 2022.

“Pakatan Harapan once promised to guarantee the preservation and enhancement of media freedom in this country,” he noted.

However, he alleged, it “blocked” media sites said to be critical of the government, and revoked Harakah Daily’s official media pass.

Wan Saiful said journalists and social media activists were intimidated by legal action, thus stifling free speech.

“The media has been hit by draconian action.

“Malaysia’s position at 107th is only slightly better than Burundi (108), Mongolia (109), and Zimbabwe (116). Moreover, it is worse than Israel (101),” he said.