The stories shaping Malaysia, in focus.
Hong Kong's security chief has instructed booksellers to prevent publications that could endanger national security from reaching shelves, as police conduct a third wave of arrests at independent bookstores within four months.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has cautioned media organisations to adopt new technologies responsibly while safeguarding core journalistic values, ethics and national sovereignty against external ideological influence.
Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has urged the media to balance press freedom with ethical responsibility, warning that artificial intelligence and digital technologies require careful oversight to prevent misuse.
Vietnam has arrested three publishing executives and an author over a biographical book on Ho Chi Minh that authorities claim distorts revolutionary history. The crackdown extends to media outlets and influencers involved in promoting the work.
Singapore's High Court has ordered Bloomberg to pay S$230,000 in damages to each of two senior ministers over an article examining secretive luxury property transactions, marking a significant press freedom case in the region.
Israeli authorities arrested four individuals Saturday over an alleged assault on a CNN news crew in the West Bank. The broadcaster described the incident as an attack by Israeli settlers on its journalists.
Parliament passed two competition bills and tabled rice industry reforms during its third sitting week. Sessions covered press freedom, MSME support, healthcare digitalisation, and national security matters across eleven ministries.
South Korea has enacted stricter penalties against fake news publishers, including fines up to 1 billion won for repeat offenders. However, journalists and opposition lawmakers warn the vague definition could suppress legitimate criticism and undermine democratic freedoms.
Vietnam has arrested the author of a recently published biography of Ho Chi Minh and a social media influencer who discussed the book online. Both face anti-state charges in a case highlighting the government's tight control over historical narratives.
Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil has emphasised the need to strengthen the Malaysian Media Council as a self-regulatory body, urging both traditional media organisations and social media platforms to join the council to address media-related issues responsibly.
The Malaysian Media Council has endorsed Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's directive that complaints involving journalists must first be reviewed by the Council, establishing a structured self-regulatory process before further action.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has established a new process requiring complaints against journalists from recognised media organisations to be referred to the Malaysian Media Council for initial review, rather than triggering automatic investigations.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has attributed Malaysia's declining press freedom ranking to enforcement actions against media organisations over content involving religion, race, and the royal institution, rather than political suppression.
A Malaysian High Court has awarded RM400,000 in damages to businessman Yeoh Ee Seong in his defamation case against Sin Chew Media Corporation Bhd, which published reports linking him to a lawyer's assault.
Cambodia's Supreme Court has upheld lengthy treason convictions against two journalists who posted photographs from a restricted military area following cross-border clashes with Thailand, dealing a serious blow to press freedom in the kingdom.
Hong Kong authorities have arrested two people including pro-democracy bookstore owner Leticia Wong on sedition charges, marking another crackdown on dissent under the territory's national security law.
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Penang Governor Tun Ramli Ngah Talib has lauded the Communications Ministry for hosting the National Journalists' Day (HAWANA) 2026 celebrations in Penang, highlighting the event's significance in recognising media contributions and strengthening regional cooperation.
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Penang Governor Tun Ramli Ngah Talib has hosted nearly 350 media practitioners from Malaysia and ASEAN countries at a National Journalists' Day dinner, underlining the media's essential role in the nation's progress.
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Tan Sri Nallini Pathmanathan, a retired Federal Court judge, has assumed the role of Malaysian Media Council chairman. She argues that her judicial background equips her to protect the council's autonomy from external pressures.
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Newly appointed Malaysian Media Council chairman Tan Sri Nallini Pathmanathan has defended her judicial background as an asset to the council, arguing that her experience on the Bench will help safeguard independence and ensure fair processes.
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Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has praised Malaysia's media practitioners for maintaining ethical standards, while cautioning that technological advances in AI and digitalisation must not compromise journalistic values that underpin public trust.
Prime Minister 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, citing her judicial credentials and integrity as key to restoring public trust.
Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil met with Timor-Leste officials to expand media cooperation through Bernama and RTM, while discussing strategies to improve Malaysia's press freedom rankings.
Media professionals and ASEAN representatives have begun assembling at the HAWANA 2026 Summit in Butterworth, a flagship event recognising journalism excellence and regional cooperation across Southeast Asia.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has arrived in Penang after wrapping up an official visit to Turkmenistan. He is attending the National Journalists' Day 2026 grand finale and several investment-focused engagements in the state.
Malaysia's National Journalists' Day 2026 culminates in Penang today with around 1,000 media professionals gathering for ceremonies recognising journalism's role in strengthening democratic discourse and public trust.
Penang hosts HAWANA 2026, the nation's premier journalism celebration, with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim officiating. The event emphasises media integrity while examining journalism's future amid AI and digitalisation.
About 1,000 media professionals from Malaysia and abroad will converge in Penang tomorrow for the HAWANA 2026 summit, with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim set to officiate the event themed on strengthening media integrity and credibility.
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Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching has publicly endorsed former Federal Court judge Nallini for the Malaysia Media Council chairperson position, pointing to her track record on press freedom cases.
Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching has endorsed former Federal Court judge Tan Sri Nallini Pathmanathan to lead the newly established Malaysian Media Council, highlighting her strong judicial record on press freedom and constitutional protections.
Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching has endorsed former Federal Court judge Tan Sri Nallini Pathmanathan's appointment as chairperson of the newly established Malaysian Media Council, highlighting her judicial record on press freedom.
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Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil has congratulated Tan Sri Nallini Pathmanathan on her appointment as chairman of the Malaysian Media Council, describing it as a milestone for independent media regulation.
The Malaysian Media Council has appointed former Federal Court judge Tan Sri Nallini Pathmanathan as chairperson, with industry leaders welcoming the decision as a move to bolster media freedom and credibility.