The government is open to expanding media freedom and is considering a review of related laws, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said, signalling a potential shift toward a more open press in line with the country’s political maturity.
Anwar stressed that freedom of expression is important but not absolute, cautioning against defamation and content that could provoke racial or religious sensitivities.
“We must give a more open space where people can criticise and give their views but there must also be a space where the confusion or the excesses are corrected,” he said.
Anwar added that further discussions would be held with Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil to explore the legal review, particularly to avoid overlapping regulations and strengthen the Malaysian Media Council as a self-regulatory body.
He also urged the younger generation to reject divisive racial and religious sentiments, calling on future leaders to make bold decisions in the national interest, even if such actions are unpopular.
