ABSTRACT
This chapter on Malaysia addresses key developments related to the media sector and challenges to press freedom over the last decade, marked by legal restrictions as well as government censorship. The 2018 general elections, however, shocked many with the defeat of a six-decade old coalition, Barisan Nasional, which had retained control over all institutions, including the media, at the hands of the opposing coalition, Pakatan Harapan. The chapter traces the legal environment that affects press freedom in Malaysia, followed by an overview of ownership structures, including the changes taking place in the digital spheres. It also highlights some of the informal pressures from the state and ‘invisible hands’ that direct editorial decisions. Given the recent political changes, the chapter also discusses whether the news media can regain public confidence after years of declining trust and if the media community is well placed to reclaim and defend its rights.
