Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim today defended the government’s “tough action” against inflammatory speeches, which indirectly contributed to Malaysia’s downgrade in the annual Reporters Without Borders annual World Press Freedom Index.

In his speech at the National Journalists’ Day (Hawana) 2024, this year held in Kuching, Sarawak, Anwar noted RSF’s criticisms against the government, as well as the attendance of the organisation’s representative at the event.

“If we allow racism to flourish...