Resident Coordinator's speech: World Press Freedom Day Forum 2025

Your Excellency Jacques Werner, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Malaysia

Ms. Wathshlah G. Naidu, Executive Director of the Centre for Independent Journalism

Esteemed speakers with us today from Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines and Timor Leste.

Members of the media fraternity

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is a genuine honour for me to deliver these remarks to Malaysia’s World Press Freedom Day Forum 2025 in Malaysia, jointly organized with the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the Centre for Independent Journalism.

Let me begin by extending our deepest appreciation to our collaborators—Your Excellency Jacques Werner and Ms. Wathshlah G. Naidu—for five years of steadfast partnership in advancing press freedom in Malaysia. From a modest virtual forum during the COVID-19 pandemic to a forum at Angkasapuri in 2023 and culminating in the successful Media for Media festival last year, this journey reflects our shared commitment. 

Since 1993, the United Nations has marked World Press Freedom Day every 3rd of May, to recognize and promote the fundamental principles of press freedom as laid out in the Windhoek Declaration. This year, as always, we take a moment to honour the bravery of journalists across the globe, especially those operating in conflict zones or under threat. Events like today’s are crucial—not only to commemorate, but to reaffirm the vital role a free and independent domestic press plays in promoting transparency, accountability, and informed democratic discourse.

The 2025 theme in Malaysia, "Navigating the Future of Malaysian Media: Press Freedom and AI’s Double-Edged Sword", prompts us to reflect deeply on the evolving challenges and opportunities in the media landscape. Across Malaysia and the wider ASEAN region, we are witnessing urgent debates on press laws, journalistic independence, and the sustainability of the media sector. Encouragingly, Malaysia has risen to 88th place in the Reporters Without Borders World Press Freedom Index—an improvement from last year’s 107th position. This is a significant achievement, and we applaud it. But this momentum must be sustained with systemic reforms, especially as digital colonisation and artificial intelligence reshape how news is produced and consumed.

Emerging technologies such as generative AI present a paradox. On one hand, AI allows for personalised content, enhanced engagement, and resource efficiency. On the other, it brings concerns about intellectual property rights, job security, manipulation through algorithmic bias, and the spread of misinformation and disinformation. These are not abstract concerns; they affect journalists, media consumers, and the integrity of public discourse.

Malaysia has made commendable efforts in this regard. The recent AI-related training initiative launched by the Ministry of Communications and BERNAMA is a step in the right direction. The government’s broader efforts to develop guidelines and legal frameworks around the use of AI in the media are also promising. But there is still a critical gap in ensuring the ethical use of AI within a human rights-based framework, especially within the media ecosystem.

AI’s momentum is undeniably positive—it presents unprecedented opportunities for global development, innovation, and economic growth. But it also underscores the urgent need for a robust and inclusive framework to ensure that AI is developed and used responsibly, ethically, and equitably.

This is precisely where the United Nations has stepped in. Through the Pact for the Future, adopted by Member States at the 79th UN General Assembly, artificial intelligence has been placed at the heart of global digital cooperation.

The Global Digital Compact—which forms a central pillar of the Pact—is the first comprehensive global framework designed to address the governance of digital technologies, including AI. The objectives of the Compact are clear and ambitious:

• To close digital divides;
• To expand inclusion and ensure the benefits of the digital economy are shared widely;
• To promote a digital space that is inclusive, open, safe, and secure—while firmly rooted in the protection of human rights;
• To strengthen global data governance; and
• To enhance international oversight and governance of artificial intelligence.

This Compact marks a significant milestone. Among its key commitments is the establishment of a multidisciplinary Independent International Scientific Panel on AI, as well as a Global Dialogue on AI to be hosted within the United Nations system. These initiatives will ensure that global AI governance is guided by science, informed by a diversity of perspectives, and grounded in international cooperation.

In response to the recommendations of the High-level Advisory Body on Artificial Intelligence—particularly the call for a Global Fund on AI—Member States have also tasked the Secretary-General with developing innovative, voluntary financing options to support AI capacity-building, especially in developing countries.

To ensure coherence and impact, a system-wide coordination office will be established within the UN to oversee and align the Organization’s work on AI. Looking ahead, the Secretary-General will present an implementation roadmap for the Global Digital Compact at the World Summit on the Information Society—WSIS+20—in July 2025. And beyond that, a high-level review of the Compact is already scheduled for 2027, ensuring continued progress and accountability.

The Pact for the Future and its annex, the Global Digital Compact, is more than a policy document. It is a shared blueprint for building a digital future that is safe, inclusive, rights-based, and beneficial for all. 

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Just two days ago, the country celebrated National Journalists Day (HAWANA), a clear demonstration of the value placed on journalism by the government and society. 

We also applaud the passing of the 2025 Media Council Bill and the formation of Malaysia’s first-ever Media Council—a historic milestone that we warmly welcome. By passing the Malaysian Media Council (MMC) Act 2024, the Government has signaled its principled commitment to protecting press freedom and ensuring high standards of journalistic integrity.

The government's announcement of a RM30 million allocation to support local media organizations in adopting digital technologies and AI is a welcome step that will benefit media practitioners as they navigate the balance between AI and ethics. Both announcements align closely with the theme of our forum today.

The UN Secretary-General in his 2025 message for World Press Freedom Day, said:
“The United Nations recognizes the invaluable work of journalists and media professionals to ensure that the public is informed and engaged. Without facts, we cannot fight mis- and disinformation. Without accountability, we will not have strong policies in place. Without press freedom, we won't have any freedom. A free press is not a choice, but a necessity.”

Let me underscore that press freedom is not only about the media—it is directly linked to the realization of human rights, democratic governance, and Malaysia’s broader development objectives, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In particular, Goal 16, Target 16.10 recognizes the importance of ensuring public access to information and protecting fundamental freedoms. To that end, we strongly encourage the Government of Malaysia to enact a Freedom of Information Act—a critical next step that will strengthen transparency, public trust, and inclusive development.

As we navigate the future of Malaysian media in the age of AI, it is essential to ensure that press freedom goes hand in hand with inclusion - amplifying diverse voices, including those of persons with disabilities, and ensuring accessible, representative, and equitable media for all.

Ladies and Gentlemen, 

Regionally, press freedom in ASEAN must be seen not as a vulnerability but as a strategic asset. A robust, independent media fosters regional resilience, cross-border cooperation, and inclusive growth. Malaysia, as the Chair of ASEAN, has a unique opportunity to lead by example—to champion regional standards for media freedom and to support mechanisms for journalist protection.

We are also delighted to welcome media representatives from Indonesia, the Philippines, and Timor-Leste today. Your presence is a powerful reminder of our shared regional commitment to press freedom, and the importance of cross-country solidarity among Southeast Asian journalists and media organizations.

On a very final note, I want—on behalf of the United Nations in Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei Darussalam — to express our recognition to all journalists in and around Malaysia and ASEAN for the vital contribution you make. This includes those joining us in this room,  and especially those who are out in the field, often at risk, in pursuit of the truth.

Thank you for your courage. Thank you for your integrity. And thank you for helping us all navigate towards a freer, fairer future.

Terima Kasih.