KUALA LUMPUR July 7, 2026 — Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim stated that recent actions taken against certain media organisations were not driven by political motives but were instead related to sensitive issues involving race, religion and royalty (3R), as well as national security concerns.
Speaking in the Dewan Rakyat today, Anwar addressed Malaysia’s decline in the 2026 World Press Freedom Index to 95th place, down from 88th previously. He explained that the drop was influenced by international assessment indicators, including actions involving media outlets.
Anwar cited specific examples, including action against Sin Chew Daily over the broadcasting of a Jalur Gemilang (national flag) illustration and against Sinar Harian regarding the airing of the Inspector-General of Police’s biography.
“For example, the action against Sin Chew was considered significant in the media world because it was seen as a violation in terms of freedom aspects. But on the flag issue, it was resolved well. We take the national flag seriously. Perhaps other countries are less so. When action is taken against official media like that, the (media freedom) index is immediately affected,” he said.
The Prime Minister emphasised that the government is bound by agreements with the Conference of Rulers, which reviews reports concerning insults to royal institutions and content that could incite inter-ethnic or inter-religious tensions.
He stressed that the government prioritises providing public explanations over enforcement actions, particularly in cases involving mere political criticism or inaccurate facts. Parliamentary clarifications are also used where appropriate.
Among positive steps, Anwar noted amendments to Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, which ensure that satirical statements against the Prime Minister or other leaders are no longer treated as criminal offences.
He added that some social media content removals were initiated based on user complaints rather than direct government orders, and that platforms sometimes act independently according to their own policies.
The statement comes amid ongoing discussions on media freedom and the balance between protecting national sensitivities and upholding press independence in Malaysia.
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