To ensure the country’s progress towards becoming a developed nation, he said, there must be responsible and mature checks and balances by a free media.
“The media is often described as an influential force in democratic societies.
“But sadly, Malaysia was ranked 145th out of 180 countries in the World Press Freedom Index 2018 published by Reporters Without Borders,” he said at a roundtable talk with MPs at the Parliament building here.
He said the ranking did Malaysia no favours in its journey to achieving developed nation status.
“Regretfully, we have seen perhaps unjustifiable restrictions and harassment of the media, leading to a chilling effect on the press.”
He noted however Pakatan Harapan’s pledge to review, repeal and abolish statutes which were deemed oppressive and an abuse of power.
He added that everyone had the right to freedom of opinion and expression, and that access to information was crucial.