KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia does not mind being downgraded in the Reporters Without Borders World Press Freedom Index if it means taking a firm stance against racism and religious bigotry which pose a threat to religious harmony, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said.
In his speech at the 2024 National Journalists' Day (Hawana) celebration in Kuching, Sarawak, Anwar said protecting the rights of both majority and minority groups is far more important than rankings.
"I don't mind if we are downgraded (in the World Press Freedom Index) because we are tough against racists and religious bigots. In my mind, saving this country and protecting the rights of the majority and the minorities is more important than getting high marks on international recognition."
He said that if racism, facism or religious bigotry were to thrive, they could lead to discord among people.
"Do we just accept the fact that anything can be said without moral or ethical principles?
"If we allow racism, facism or religious bigotry to flourish and have its freehold in the country, then you must anticipate the possibility of friction, racial strife and religious disharmony."
Anwar added that that despite receiving accolades during his time as the opposition and his stance on media freedom, a line has to be drawn where ethics are concerned.
"I was in the opposition, I travelled around the world and received accolades on my position on media freedom. I would not want to compromise on that (media freedom).
"(But) Where do we draw the line? We can't be utterly naive, that (through the media) we can manufacture dissent and consent."