KUCHING: As the world commemorates World Press Freedom Day 2025, the theme ‘Reporting in the Brave New World – The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media’ calls for reflection on how journalists operate in today’s digital and socio-political landscapes.
In Malaysia, including Sarawak, media practitioners continue their work with dedication, balancing professional responsibilities with evolving legal and technological environments.
Several Sarawak-based journalists shared their views with Sarawak Tribune, offering insight into the current state of press freedom in the country.
Shikin Louis of DayakDaily described Malaysia’s press environment as “generally free” but with limitations, especially when reporting on sensitive topics such as politics, race, religion and the monarchy.
“There’s always a line I have to be careful not to cross,” she said, adding that while the freedom to report exists, it comes with the need for legal and social awareness.
Jude Toyat from The Borneo Post shared similar views, saying that Malaysia’s press freedom has gradually evolved with more room for critical reporting compared to the past.
However, he noted the presence of unspoken boundaries, especially around race, religion and royalty, issues journalists must navigate with care.
For Kentigern Minggu, also of The Borneo Post, the media landscape today is more open than in previous years.
However, he pointed out that laws like the Sedition Act as well as the Communications and Multimedia Act require journalists to tread carefully.
“There’s space to report on sensitive or politically charged issues, but we must navigate them with caution,” he said.
Henrietta Liza, a seasoned journalist who started her career in 2009, highlighted Malaysia’s drop in the 2024 World Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders as a sign of growing challenges.
“There are indeed limitations, especially when covering government opposition.
“We are encouraged to write neutrally and avoid unnecessary controversy,” she explained, noting that editorial direction often influences decisions on whether or not to cover sensitive issues.
While censorship is rare, journalists said they have experienced subtle pressure.
Shikin said she had received calls from politicians asking for story amendments or apologies.
“Some even threatened to sue me, but nothing came of it,” she recalled.
On another occasion, she defended a story based on direct quotes after internal queries.
Jude noted that editorial caution is common when covering land issues involving indigenous communities and large corporations.
“Headlines were softened, specific names and details were omitted,” he said.
Kentigern added that withholding names of individuals or premises is sometimes necessary to prevent misunderstanding or unintended consequences.
Henrietta noted similar practices, especially in stories involving opposition figures.
“The public deserves to know what their elected representatives are doing,” she said, while acknowledging that certain issues remain sensitive and should be handled thoughtfully.
The journalists agreed on the importance of ethical reporting and professional integrity.
“Unethical journalism is a growing concern,” said Henrietta.
She warned against relying on shortcuts, and emphasised that ideas and narratives must be grounded in facts and firsthand knowledge.
Shikin pointed out that while artificial intelligence (AI) tools help streamline workflow, they also pose risks.
“They can spread misinformation, introduce algorithmic bias, and reduce creativity. The media must use them responsibly,” she said.
Jude added that AI offers both opportunities and threats.
“Deepfakes, automated censorship, and surveillance are new challenges. Maintaining editorial independence is more important than ever,” he stated.
While journalists offer valuable insight, members of the public also have expectations regarding media integrity.
Tan Chee, a businessman, told Sarawak Tribune that press freedom means allowing the media to report without fear or favour.
He said he generally trusts news from established agencies, and believes the media reflects public sentiment.
However, he observed that certain topics, especially those involving royalty, religion and race, are either avoided or reported with caution.
“It’s important that reporters can work professionally and without fear,” he said.
He also highlighted the growing influence of social media in shaping the news cycle and stressed the need for truth and honesty in reporting.
Andy Lawrence, Kapit District Council Chairman, echoed these views, stating that press freedom ensures public access to accurate, balanced and uncensored information.
“As someone in public service, I see constructive criticism and open reporting as tools for improvement, not as threats,” he said.
He added that he approaches news critically by comparing official statements with alternative media before forming an opinion.
“Trust must be earned through consistent, factual and unbiased reporting,” he opined.
Andy noted that sensitive issues, such as federal-state dynamics, rural development and native customary rights (NCR) land, are often underreported or presented in a skewed manner.
“It’s vital that journalists report freely and without fear. For leaders like us, it keeps us grounded and connected to real issues on the ground,” he added.
He also pointed out the media’s urban bias.
“Urban concerns often dominate the headlines, while rural communities like ours in Kapit are sidelined,” he lamented.
He expressed concern about influence over reporting.
“The tone and framing of some news clearly show political, corporate or institutional influence. This undermines public trust,” he said.
On social media’s role in press freedom, he described it as “a double-edged sword”.
While it enables real-time access and diverse viewpoints, it also spreads misinformation.
“Still, it remains an essential platform for alternative views that mainstream media may overlook,” Andy concluded.
Russell Wilson, a lawyer, said press freedom means the right to access truthful and unbiased information without interference from any party, allowing the public to stay informed.
He acknowledged that there are times when news appears one-sided or avoids criticising certain parties.
“However, journalists also play a crucial role in ensuring that news is reported accurately and responsibly, without exaggeration or presenting it in a way that could mislead the public,” he said.
He added that the media sometimes focuses on certain narratives while leaving out other important perspectives, giving the impression of selective reporting.
“It is very important. When journalists can report without fear, the public gets more honest and complete information, which is vital for a fair and informed society,” Russell stressed.
Despite the limitations journalists still face, the consensus from those on the ground is that ethical, responsible reporting helps maintain credibility and safeguard press freedom.
World Press Freedom Day reminds us of journalism’s important role in shaping informed societies, with a focus on integrity, accuracy, and accountability as AI becomes part of everyday reporting.
