PM: Media welcomed to criticise govt, no need to self-censor

Media in the country must have total freedom, said Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who welcomed members of the press to continue being critical of his administration.

In his speech at the National Journalists’ Day (Hawana) 2023 celebration, the prime minister told media practitioners they should not feel the need for self-censorship when it comes to criticising the government.

Anwar said he also does not want the press to continue the old practice of worshipping those in power while denying the opposition the right to express themselves.

“Criticism against the prime minister or leaders is necessary, and leaders should not be alarmed or have fear (of media criticising them).

“I am saying this now because I am confident with what we are doing, and I am ready to fight with facts. And if indeed there are shortcomings on our side, then we are ready to apologise and make the necessary changes.

“Thus, my journalist friends who are here today, you should accept this fact. Do not feel that you need to do self-censorship. Because, if we want to invigorate freedom and democracy, then we should respect (freedom of the press),” he said.

‘Be firm and forthright’

At the event held in Ipoh, Perak, Anwar told the press that they should defend good values and principles in their reporting.

This includes giving fair opportunity to those opposing the government in airing their views.

"We have to be firm and forthright in recording history. Evaluate and defend principles.

"Meaning, our friends who chose not to be with the government or in the opposition also have to be given the right to express without fearing that they will be reproached or insulted, like what we experienced previously.

"This is the change that we want to make, in the real meaning of value-based politics," said Anwar.

On the other hand, the prime minister also cautioned the media on the danger of propagating narrow religious and racial sentiments, which he said can harm national security.

He said the government is concerned with the trend of certain parties to create disunity in the country by promoting a narrow understanding of race and religion among youth.

"However, to tackle this issue, it doesn't always have to be by using the brunt of the law, but we can do it through our media friends.

"Because as initiators of ideas, the media will also determine whether we will be successful in bringing down the wall of narrowmindedness by spreading better understanding and knowledge," he said.

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