M’sia Falls 34 Spots in World Press Freedom Index 2024 Due to Alleged Govt ‘Censorship’ of Criticism

Malaysia is no longer the highest-ranked Southeast Asian nation in the World Press Freedom Index 2024, the latest edition of the annual ranking of countries compiled by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) based on the organisation’s assessment of the countries’ press freedom records in the previous year.

In the Index, Malaysia scored 52.07 points and placed 107th out of 180 nations, a far cry from last year’s 73rd placement in 2023.

Malaysia falls 34 places to 107th spot in World Press Freedom Index 2024

In the 2024 edition, Thailand is now the highest-ranked Southeast Asian nation in the Index, placing 87th place globally, with Malaysia being the 2nd best in the region.

Here are the rankings for Southeast Asian countries in the World Press Freedom Index 204:

1. Thailand (87th place)
2. Malaysia (107th place)
3. Indonesia (111th place)
4. Brunei (117th place)
5. Singapore (126th place)
6. Philippines (134th place)
7. Cambodia (151st place)
8. Laos (153rd place)
9. Myanmar (171st place)
10. Vietnam (174th place) 

RSF’s perception of press freedom in Malaysia deteriorated throughout last year

For context, Malaysia impressively jumped 40 places to the 73rd position in the 2023 Index from our 113th position in 2022 following the Unity Government coming into power.

However, RSF’s perception of press freedom in Malaysia seemingly deteriorated throughout 2023.

RSF published several press statements voicing against the Malaysian Government’s actions throughout 2023 and this year, including denouncing the allegedly arbitrary suspension of news websites critical of the government and urging the Malaysian authorities to drop an allegedly abusive investigation against a journalist.

In its summary of Malaysia’s placement in the 2024 Index, RSF lauded our country as a culturally diverse constitutional monarchy that despite the Federal Government having a draconian legislative arsenal to restrict press freedom, these restrictions are resisted by a vibrant civil society.

So, what do you guys think of our nation’s placement in the World Press Freedom Index 2024? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!

Also read: Study: Malaysia Falls to 89th Spot on The Human Freedom Index 2023