The following is a statement from the Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ), a SEAPA partner based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia:

Malaysia's press freedom index remains in status quo as much needed reforms not in place yet

The Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ) calls for more political will from the government to improve the state of press freedom in the country and the right of Malaysians to access to information. Malaysia's standing in the latest Reporters Without Borders (RSF) Press Freedom Index, at 131, compared to 132 last year, is still low and indicative of the lack of progress in translating rhetoric to concrete reform measures.

CIJ concurs with RSF's observation that the repressive licensing regime and other laws effectively prevent the coverage of public interest issues. We also note with concern that important issues such as corruption and good governance are deliberately given a racial or religious spin as to make discussions illegal and dangerous. The action taken against Malaysiakini for example for reporting the "cow's head" protest and the Home Minister's statement defending the protesters, reminds Malaysians that their government is still resistant to the practice of press freedom . While the minister, Hishamuddin Hussien announced in June that various restrictive laws will be reviewed, CIJ notes disappointingly that no further plan has been unveiled so far.

The lack of actual action renders hollow the Prime Minister's pronouncement of allowing greater openness as a means to achieve greater national unity, or the 1Malaysia plan as he dubs it. The RSF index confirms the maintenance of the status quo and the authorities' dismal record in protecting Malaysians their right to press freedom and information.

CIJ urges, as the first concrete step, to set up a multi-party parliamentary select committee on media law reform to collect public feedback and consultation, with the view of repealing restrictive laws and regulations that impact on freedom of information.