Kuala lumpur: The government is poised to provide a broader scope for media freedom, with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim expressing readiness to reevaluate existing laws in alignment with the nation's evolving maturity. He emphasized that while the government supports greater freedom, it is not without limits, as measures must be taken to prevent defamation and avoid extreme provocations that could incite racial and religious tensions.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, during the Meet Anwar dialogue session at Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT), Anwar highlighted the necessity of allowing open discourse and criticism while ensuring that misinformation and excesses are addressed. He indicated that further discussions would be undertaken with Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil to explore potential revisions to the current legal framework governing media operations.
Anwar's comments came in response to a student's inquiry about the government's readiness to amend or repeal overlapping media laws to bolster the Malaysian Media Council's role as a self-regulatory body. He noted that the previous administration had acknowledged the importance of enhancing journalistic professionalism by supporting the council's establishment.
In his address, the Prime Minister urged the younger generation to eschew divisive racial and religious sentiments to preserve national stability and peace. He called on future leaders to prioritize unity and make decisions that serve the national interest, even if such decisions might attract criticism.
The dialogue session was attended by prominent figures, including Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir, Transport Minister Anthony Loke, Hannah Yeoh from the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories), and Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming. Also in attendance was Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong, chairman of the Board of Trustees of the TARC Education Foundation and Member of Parliament for Ayer Hitam, alongside the university's top management and over 1,600 students and staff.
During the event, Prime Minister Anwar also presented a RM40 million management expenditure grant cheque replica to TAR UMT.