COMMENT | When the Reporters Sans Frontiers’ (RSF) 2021 Press Freedom Index saw Malaysia drop 18 steps to rank 119 out of 180 countries, Pakatan Harapan chief Anwar Ibrahim sounded the alarm, saying the media is facing a “grave” situation.

“The service provided by a free and open press is paramount for the functioning of our democracy. Our leaders’ reckless regard for the press not only affirms some of our worst assumptions about the Perikatan Nasional government but also adds insult to the injuries they have committed against the people, disregarding their mandate last year.

“The secondary and tertiary effects of these selfish actions continue to demote Malaysia’s position internationally, which will hinder the economic recovery we desperately need and have future investors and partners looking elsewhere for business and collaboration,” he said in a statement.

The sterling eloquence concluded: “Umno is launching an assault on the media just as its leaders are facing potential convictions in their corruption cases. They are twisting the prime minister’s arm to call for an election in November.

“Umno’s chances of winning an election are hampered by honest and thorough reporting on Umno/Bersatu scandals such as the missing littoral combat ships, the flailing 5G deal under Digital Nasional Bhd, as well as the government’s dismal handling of the economic crisis and rising cost of living. Rather than deal with the scandals and problems, Umno predictably attacks the messenger.”

But now, those words of bravado have slipped by because Umno is needed to prop up the Madani government; hence, media freedom has been put on the back burner.