KOTA KINABALU, Malaysia, July 13, 2025 – Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA), Dato’ Sri Fadillah Yusof, underscored the critical role of journalists in upholding transparency, responsibility, and integrity amid an increasingly challenging media landscape. He described a free and accountable media as a vital strategic partner in building a progressive, united, and resilient Malaysia.
Speaking at the 2025 PETRA Media Engagement Session in Sabah, Fadillah highlighted the government’s commitment to fostering media freedom. He cited Malaysia’s improved ranking in the 2025 Reporters Without Borders (RSF) World Press Freedom Index, rising to 88th from 107th the previous year, as international recognition of the government’s efforts to strengthen a free, responsible, and progressive media ecosystem.
“PETRA greatly values the media’s significant contributions as a government partner,” he said. “The media’s role in delivering accurate news and information is crucial in communicating the government’s initiatives to the public.”
The session aimed to enhance collaboration and goodwill between PETRA and media stakeholders.
Fadillah also shared that the federal government, through PETRA, has allocated RM8.799 billion up to June 2025 for 86 projects in Sabah under the 12th Malaysia Plan (RMKe-12), reaffirming the MADANI government’s commitment to ensuring Sabah’s prosperity within the Malaysian family.
In attendance were Deputy Minister of PETRA, Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir; PETRA Secretary-General, Dato’ Haji Mad Zaidi Mohd Karli; and senior PETRA and agency officials.