Commemoration of the 30th Anniversary of World Press Freedom Day

Background

In 1993, The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) proclaimed 3 May as World Press Freedom Day (WPFD). This day is celebrated annually across the world to commemorate the fundamental principles of press freedom. This was following a recommendation adopted at the twenty-sixth session of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation’s (UNESCO) General Conference that had taken place in 1991. It was also in response to a call by African journalists who had produced the Windhoek Declaration, which champions the development of free, independent and pluralistic media.

Since the proclamation 30 years ago, the world has seen an emphasis on basic human rights as well as technological advancements. The evolution of how people distribute and consume information and the news has affected the way journalism and the media works.

For the global celebration, UNESCO will celebrate this year’s WPFD on 2 May 2023, with the global theme of “Shaping A Future of Rights: Freedom of Expression as A Driver for All Other Human Rights”. Moreover, this celebration will coincide with the 30th anniversary of the Vienna Conference and its Declaration and Programme of Action on Human Rights, and the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Hence, UNESCO alongside its partners and the global community will use this special occasion as an opportunity to locate freedom of expression as a pillar of all other human rights.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights proclaims the right of everyone "to freedom of opinion and expression” and clarifies that this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through media and regardless of frontiers.

The Federal Constitution of Malaysia guarantees every citizen's right to freedom of speech and expression. The right to information, while not explicitly mentioned, can be considered an integral part of freedom of speech. It is often understood that freedom of expression plays a critical role in enabling the realisation of all other fundamental human rights. In this context, the role of media is even more essential as they act as the 4th pillar of democracy, and the main conduit of reliable and timely information and news, that cuts across all mediums, languages as well as generational, geographical and digital divides.  This will facilitate informed decision making and participation of the public in exercising their rights in holding the State accountable and promoting rule of law and good governance.

Nonetheless, the media in Malaysia continue to face challenges, including censorship, financial pressures as they rethink the current business model, threats of big tech companies that increasingly monopolises information distribution channels, and the proliferation of disinformation that impacts media viability and threatens our information integrity. This is especially so since the 15th General Election (GE15) saw an increase in the spread of hate speech as well as disinformation online and this has sparked debates nationally on free speech and expression.

As Malaysia welcomes a new unity government, it provides a unique opportunity in discussing the role of the State in promoting fundamental freedom of expression, media freedom and human rights environment, as the forefront of issues tackled moving forward. It is also timely to move the discussion on the establishment of a Malaysian Media Council, as an independent self-regulatory body, into a reality. These changes are in line with the values espoused by the concept of Malaysia Madani, introduced by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on 19 January 2023. Malaysia Madani emphasises values such as fair, just and effective governance and centers on the importance of humanity.

At the World Press Freedom Day 2022 (WPFD 2022) Forum - “Journalism Under Digital Siege”, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Parliament and Law) Datuk Seri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar stated that Malaysian media should not be restricted but must use this freedom responsibly, and it is closely tied in with the fundamental right to information as the lynchpin. The country moving forward with the concept of Malaysia Madani sparks an opportunity to discuss the impact of freedom of expression and media freedom in setting the footprint towards democracy.

This year, the Ministry of Communications and Digital (KKD), the Embassy of the Kingdom of Netherlands, the United Nations (UN) in Malaysia and the Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ), and will partake in the national commemoration of WPFD 2023, by adhering to the global theme of “Shaping A Future of Rights: Freedom of Expression as a Driver for All Other Human Rights”. The co-organizers plan to facilitate a forum that would contribute to the global discussion of recentering freedom of expression, and its intersection with media freedom, as a driving force of other human rights.

Forum

This joint commemoration by the Ministry of Communications and Digital (KKD), the Embassy of the Kingdom of Netherlands, the United Nations (UN) in Malaysia and the Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ) is to facilitate discussions around this year’s global theme “Shaping A Future of Rights: Freedom of Expression as A Driver for All Other Human Rights”. These discussions will involve media practitioners, state agencies, including the Ministry of Communications and Digital, international organisations, civil society organisations, academics and media students.

Goal

The overall goal of this one-day forum is to provide an inclusive platform to reaffirm the fundamental role of freedom of expression and its intersections with media freedom; and facilitate multi-stakeholder engagements. It shall also generate innovative ideas and commitments to a future where freedom of expression and media freedom is championed as a catalyst and fundamental principle that shapes the future of human rights.

Objectives of Forum

1. Identify critical challenges to freedom of expression within the evolving information ecosystem;
2. Create space for stakeholder discussions regarding factors that impact and create barriers for media in upholding its role as the 4th pillar of democracy; and
3. Identify solutions and partnerships in promoting the role of media and in facilitating a safe environment for freedom of expression.

Expected Outcomes

1. Identification and shaping how the challenges to freedom of expression could be met in the rapidly evolving information ecosystem;
2. Discussion on the future of media freedom and reaffirmation of the critical role of media in promoting freedom of expression; and
3. Solutions and partnerships with regards to the key issues fleshed out during the stakeholder discussions.

This one-day forum will include a high-level panel session followed two interactive panel discussions, aimed to engage diverse stakeholders in addressing the theme of "Freedom of Expression as a Driver for All Other Human Rights." These discussions aim to attract a wide audience and facilitate meaningful dialogue around the central theme of freedom of expression.

Panel Discussion 1, titled "Reflecting on Media Environment: Connecting Past and Present," will draw attention to pertinent issues outlined in a documentary that will be screened prior to the session. The panelists will explore the documentary's content and establish connections with current trends and challenges prevalent in the Malaysian media landscape. This discussion will shed light on the evolving nature of media and its impact on freedom of expression in Malaysia.

Panel Discussion 2, titled "The Crucial Role of a Malaysian Media Council," will emphasize the significance of establishing a dedicated Malaysian Media Council. The panelists will deliberate on the importance of an independent council in safeguarding press freedom, promoting ethical journalism practices, and ensuring accountability. This discussion will provide insights into the benefits and functions of a media council, highlighting its potential to strengthen the media ecosystem and protect the rights of both journalists and the public.

The second part of the forum will involve four closed door parallel roundtable discussions involving topics affecting journalists and the media landscape in Malaysia.