The Death of Journalism in Malaysia: Shrinking Media, Growing Censorship

October 05, 2024 – Malaysia –

Malaysian media watchers raised the alarm over a dramatic collapse of independent journalism. A collaborative analysis by Malaysia Today and Eurasia Review paints a stark portrait: over 71 journalists laid off since February, two online news outlets shuttered, and a creeping “new regime of censorship” reshaping the media landscape.

This crackdown is driven by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), which has blocked dozens of websites and journalists after negative coverage of the government. In return, the state offers conditional funding, dictating allowable content and effectively neutering editorial independence. The result: a fragmented media scene where outlets regurgitate government narratives or rely on official press releases.

The government’s grip extends deeper. A new Journalists’ Code of Ethics, drafted without consulting professional bodies like the National Union of Journalists, Peninsula Malaysia (NUJ-PM), grants the Communications Ministry veto power over media access, functioning more like a propaganda ministry.

Legally, repressive laws exacerbate the crisis. Though Malaysia’s constitution promises press freedom, draconian statutes—including the Colonial-era Sedition Act, Official Secrets Act, Printing Presses and Publications Act (PPPA), and Communications and Multimedia Act—empower the state to impose fines, imprisonment, and media shutdowns. The MCMC also blocked widely read portals like MalaysiaNow and Asia Sentinel during politically sensitive periods.

The impact is both personal and structural: journalists are fleeing, either exiting the profession or relocating abroad, and the pool of skilled media talent is rapidly drying up . Meanwhile, concentrated ownership—with media giants closely aligned with political players—limits the diversity of viewpoints.

Global press freedom indicators reflect this decline. Malaysia dropped from 73rd to 107th in RSF’s 2024 World Press Freedom Index, with experts rating it among the worst offenders in Southeast Asia. Freedom House similarly notes growing self-censorship, especially on sensitive topics like race, religion, and monarchy

Reference – 

Death Of Journalism In Malaysia: Shrinking And Fragmented Industry Challenged By New Regime Of Censorship – Analysis

The Death Of Journalism In Malaysia – Malaysia Today (malaysia-today.net)