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Media should not be afraid to criticize the government: Anwar Ibrahim
Speaking during Malaysia's third National Journalists Day (Hawana), Anwar, who was elected into office late last year, said he encouraged the media to get rid of the old culture of writing in favor of the ruling government.
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Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim speaks during the country's National Journalists Day, on May 28. (The Jakarta Post/Iswami)
M
alaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim told the country's largest media gathering on Sunday journalists should have no fear of criticizing the government and promoting views even when they are in opposition with his government policies.
Speaking during Malaysia's third National Journalists Day (Hawana), Anwar, who was elected into office late last year, said he encouraged the media to get rid of the old culture of writing in favor of the ruling government.
“Due to the changes in times and political climate, this government has decided the media in this country should get freedom without censorship.
“This also includes the opposition’s view. Criticisms against the Prime Minister and the government should be voiced out without fear,” Anwar said in his speech to open the Hawana in the city of Ipoh, in the western part of Malaysia.
Anwar, however, warned there were issues the media should be very careful in handling so as not to create conflicts in society.
“If there are any criticisms against the government, we should accept it and try to fix the problem. However, this doesn’t include sparking racist and religious issues that may destroy the unity of the people,” the 75-year old politician said.
In the latter part of his 30-minute speech, Anwar also expressed his optimism about the future of the traditional media and that the print media would continue to an play important role in politics.
