Media freedom in Malaysia

Abstract

This article discusses the contemporary issue of media freedom in Malaysia. First, it discusses the concept of freedom of the press and determines which theories, Libertarian, Social Responsibility, or Authoritarian, are suitable in the context of analysing the real situation of media freedom in Malaysia. Second, by using the list of media freedom criteria from the Department of Journalistic Studies, Missouri University, US, analysis has been done to measure the situation of media freedom in Malaysia. Third, the article tries to show the latest movements and lobbies internally and externally in supporting the media freedom in Malaysia. To conclude the current situation, the Malaysian government has restricted media freedom for the purpose of national security and political stability. However, this article clearly shows that media in Malaysia has been controlled by the government and media companies associated with government leaders for political survivability of ruling government party and leaders to hold the power.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Mohd Azizuddin Mohd Sani

The author would like to acknowledge with gratitude to John Horton of Keele University, Saliha Hassan of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Ahmad Ghazali Abu Hassan, Nor Hafezah Yusof, and Ratnaria Wahid of Universiti Utara Malaysia, and Cheng Wei Fong of Tunku Abdul Rahman College for their comments, supports, and assistances while writing the article.