KUCHING, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s assertion that saving the country and protecting the rights of the people is more important than getting high marks for international recognition, is seen as a firm stance taken by the prime minister.

Anwar said this when officiating the National Journalists’ Day Celebration (HAWANA 2024) which grabbed the attention of the country’s leading media editors.

Earlier, in his speech, Anwar said that he does not mind Malaysia being downgraded in the World Press Freedom Index 2024 report, published by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) recently, as the country needs to be tough against racists and religious bigotry.

The New Straits Times Press group managing editor Datuk Ahmad Zaini Kamaruzzaman said the speech should be disseminated, especially to outsiders, who do not understand the context and background of this country.

‘What is important for us is to ensure that every step taken is for the good of the country. We have to follow the mould of our own country, so outsiders sho
uld understand this.

‘We are facing various issues now both at the national and international levels. In Malaysia, we are faced with the 3R issues (religion, royalty and race). Hence, unity is important,’ he told Bernama.

Meanwhile, the Broadcasting Department director-general Datuk Suhaimi Sulaiman said the firm stance of the national leader on global issues demonstrated that Malaysia, despite being a small country, was able to make a big impression in the international arena.

‘Look at our stance. I think, to a certain extent, our stance also makes three European Union countries support the existence of a Palestinian state, such as Spain, Ireland and Norway.

‘So, if there is no forward-looking country like Malaysia, I don’t think it will happen, so stick to your conscience. If it is the truth, then it is the truth,’ he said.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency