KUCHING: Malaysia’s World Press Freedom Index has improved this year, said Deputy Minister of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Chong Chieng Jen.
“Previously, it was in 145th position out of the 180 countries. In 2019, we have climbed up to the 123rd position,” he said.
He was speaking at the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDNHEP) Sarawak media appreciation night held at the Sarawak Club here on Tuesday.
According to the Pakatan Harapan (PH) Sarawak chairman, the new government of Malaysia believed in press freedom.
“We do not interfere with the freedom of the press to report.
“Sometimes, the administration may not be happy with the way the news is reported— but so be it, that is what we call press freedom,” Chong said.
He added that with press freedom and frank reporting without intimidation and interference by the government of the day, the truth and balanced reporting could be delivered to the people.
He pointed out that the press was the fourth estate of a country — aside from legislature, executive and judiciary.
“Press plays a very important role in nation-building,” he said, urging the press and the government to move together in this aspect.
Also present were Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii, Padungan assemblyman Wong King Wei, and Pending assemblywoman Violet Yong.
