Bold, independent coverage of Malaysian politics, business and current affairs.
Hong Kong's security chief has called on booksellers to ensure their inventory does not threaten national security, following the arrest of five people linked to independent bookstores in what critics say reflects an increasingly unclear enforcement landscape.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has cautioned media practitioners against abandoning ethical standards and national values in their pursuit of technological advancement, highlighting risks from external ideological influence.
Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has called on media organisations to maintain ethical responsibility alongside press freedom as artificial intelligence and digital technologies reshape journalism, warning that technology can be misused without proper ethical guardrails.
Vietnam has arrested three executives from a publishing house that released a biography of Ho Chi Minh, the Communist Party's founder. The crackdown also targeted journalists and the book's author in what observers see as a major censorship operation.
Singapore's High Court has ordered Bloomberg to pay S$230,000 in damages to each of two cabinet ministers over a 2025 article examining luxury property transactions, ruling the report defamed them.
Malaysia's Media Council has endorsed the government's decision to refer the Freedom of Information Bill 2026 to a Parliamentary Select Committee, calling the move essential for ensuring robust democratic legislation.
Malaysia's parliament advanced two competition bills and tabled rice regulation amendments during its third sitting week, while debating press freedom standards and a comprehensive human rights commission report.
South Korea has strengthened laws against fake news with hefty penalties, but media groups warn the vague definition could suppress press freedom and enable political censorship.
Vietnam has arrested the author of a recently published book about Ho Chi Minh and a social media influencer who discussed it online. Both face charges of distorting historical accounts and insulting state leaders.
Malaysia's Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil has urged the strengthening of the Malaysian Media Council and pushed for greater participation from social media platforms, arguing that self-regulation must extend beyond traditional newsrooms to address digital content challenges.
The Malaysian Media Council has endorsed Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's directive that complaints against journalists from recognised media organisations should first go through the Council's self-regulatory mechanism rather than proceeding directly to legal or enforcement action.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has established a new process requiring complaints against journalists from recognised media organisations to be reviewed by the Malaysian Media Council before any investigations or prosecutions proceed.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim attributes Malaysia's fall to 95th in the World Press Freedom Index to enforcement actions against media organisations over sensitive content involving religion, race, and royal institutions, rather than suppression of political dissent.
A Malaysian high court has dismissed a six-year constitutional challenge by the Law and Foreign Policy Initiative (LFL) against a Singapore correction directive, finding it lacked jurisdiction to intervene.
Lam Wing-kee, whose 2015 abduction and subsequent defiant testimony became emblematic of China's erosion of Hong Kong freedoms, has died in Taipei at age 70 after a cancer relapse.
Sarawak's DAP chief contends a recent defamation ruling departs from Commonwealth legal tradition, where apex courts have consistently barred governments from suing citizens for libel.
Malaysia and Cambodia have committed to strengthening bilateral cooperation in media and information sectors through implementing a newly signed MoU, with discussions centring on digital transformation and combating misinformation.
Cambodia's Supreme Court has upheld 14-year prison sentences for two journalists convicted of treason. The case centres on a photograph posted from a military-restricted border area following Thailand clashes, raising concerns about press freedom.
Hong Kong authorities have arrested two people suspected of selling seditious publications and receiving funds from foreign political organisations, marking another escalation in the city's crackdown on dissent.
Cambodia's Supreme Court is set to rule on the appeal of two journalists convicted of treason for photographing a restricted military zone during border clashes with Thailand. The case has drawn international criticism over judicial independence.
Jakarta Police have detained former youth and sports minister Roy Suryo and health activist Tifa Tyassuma over defamation allegations tied to longstanding questions about former president Joko Widodo's university diploma.
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Penang Governor Tun Ramli Ngah Talib hosted a dinner on June 19 honouring nearly 350 media practitioners from Malaysia and across ASEAN ahead of the HAWANA 2026 main event, recognising journalism's contribution to the nation.
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Tan Sri Nallini Pathmanathan, a retired Federal Court judge, has assumed leadership of the Malaysian Media Council, vowing to apply her extensive judicial background to protect the council's independence and journalistic freedoms.
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Newly appointed Malaysian Media Council chairman Tan Sri Nallini Pathmanathan has defended her selection despite lacking journalism experience, arguing her Federal Court background equips her to safeguard the council's independence and build public trust through fair processes.
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Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called on Malaysia's media practitioners to maintain ethical standards while exercising press freedom, addressing challenges posed by rapid technological change and artificial intelligence.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has announced an additional RM1 million allocation for Tabung Kasih@HAWANA during the National Journalists' Day 2026 celebration in Butterworth, reinforcing government commitment to media sector welfare.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has thrown his weight behind the appointment of former Federal Court judge Tan Sri Nallini Pathmanathan as chairman of the Malaysian Media Council, expecting her judicial credentials to restore public confidence in the body.
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Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is presenting HAWANA journalism awards and special honours to media professionals at PICCA Convention Centre in Butterworth, recognising the sector's contribution to democracy.
Malaysia's Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil is pursuing expanded media partnerships with Timor-Leste, proposing journalist training and institutional exchanges as both nations work to improve their regional press freedom standings.
The HAWANA 2026 Summit has begun at PICCA@Arena Butterworth Convention Centre, bringing together approximately 1,000 media practitioners from Malaysia and across ASEAN. The event, themed 'Media Integrity Strengthens Credibility', will be officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
A Thai court has sentenced a 43-year-old man to 18 months in prison for a comment posted in a Facebook group discussing the monarchy, illustrating the aggressive enforcement of Thailand's lese-majeste law.
The Communications Ministry is distributing RM10,000 to each state media club affiliated with the Malaysian Media Clubs Association, while the GKMM itself receives RM30,000 for journalist welfare initiatives.
A special photo gallery opened at the HAWANA 2026 Summit in Butterworth documents the eight-year history of Malaysia's National Journalists' Day and the welfare initiatives that have supported media professionals facing health and financial hardship.
Penang will host the culminating event of HAWANA 2026 tomorrow, drawing approximately 1,000 journalists and media professionals from across Malaysia and internationally. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will officiate the summit centred on media integrity and credibility.
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Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching has publicly backed former Federal Court judge Nallini for the chairmanship of the Malaysia Media Council, highlighting her judicial decisions protecting press freedom.
Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching has backed former Federal Court judge Tan Sri Nallini Pathmanathan to lead the Malaysian Media Council, praising her judicial track record on press freedom and constitutional rights protection.
Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching has endorsed the appointment of former Federal Court judge Tan Sri Nallini Pathmanathan as chairperson of the newly established Malaysian Media Council, praising her judicial advocacy for press freedom and constitutional protection.
Retired Federal Court judge Nallini Pathmanathan has been appointed chairman of the Malaysian Media Council, taking the helm as the industry confronts mounting pressures and regulatory questions.
Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil has congratulated Tan Sri Nallini Pathmanathan on becoming chairman of the Malaysian Media Council, calling for continued commitment to responsible journalism.
Media practitioners have welcomed the appointment of retired Federal Court judge Tan Sri Nallini Pathmanathan as chairperson of the Malaysian Media Council, citing her judicial expertise and independence as crucial assets.