Opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim rallies behind Malaysiakini

[superadmin]

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 19 — Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has expressed his concern about several recent incidents that allegedly indicate an attempt by the Perikatan Nasional (PN) government to curb free press and speech in Malaysia.

In a statement today, Anwar recalled that only in the short period of time that PN has been in power, there appears to be a consistent assault on free expression and free press, including purported investigations and harassment of journalists, civil society leaders, members of Parliament, and now independent publishing houses.

“A government that is confident in its legitimacy would find no need to censor what is reported.

“What we see instead are actions by a fragile government which is diligently pursuing measures to hide its actions from the public and avoid accountability in the form of the Emergency Ordinance, suspension of Parliament and a sustained assault on the free and independent press,” Anwar said.


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