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Censorship is a long term issue in Malaysia which has become more apparent as it attempts to adapt to a modern knowledge-based economy.[1] Despite having in its Federal Constitution that subject to certain conditions, "every citizen has the right to freedom of speech and expression" (Article 10), Malaysia has consistently sat low on global indexes related to press and media freedom.
In 2016, Malaysia was ranked 146th (out of 180) in the Worldwide Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders. It was also given a "Partly Free" status on the Freedom in the World report by Freedom House in 2008 and remains so in 2016.[2] On the Freedom in the World index, graded on a scale of one to seven, with one being the most free and seven being the least, Malaysia obtained four points for both political rights and civil liberties.[3]
Unlicensed use or possession of a printing press is illegal under the Printing Presses and Publications Act of 1984. Journalists are frequently given guidelines by the Prime Minister's Office when reporting 'sensitive' issues, and media self-censorship is encouraged.[4]
- ^ Kent, Johnathan (26 November 2007). "Malaysia's censorship strangles growth". BBC. Retrieved 1 January 2008.
- ^ Freedom House (2016). "Malaysia Country Profile". freedomhouse.org. Archived from the original on 2 May 2019. Retrieved 2 May 2019.
- ^ Map of Freedom in the World Archived 10 December 2008 at the Wayback Machine. Freedom House. Retrieved on 2008 – 08-03
- ^ McAdams, Mindy (12 June 2007). "How to report a wedding". Asia Media. Archived from the original on 24 December 2007.