M4D media assessment informs EU Delegation to Malaysia on strengthening media in democratic transition

Malaysia, October 2018 – The European Union Delegation to Malaysia is seeking ways to support the EU, Member States and national and international players to strengthen Malaysia’s checks and balances by supporting the growth of media pluralism and expanding freedom of expression.  This is within the context of the surprise election victory on 9 May 2018 by the Pakatan Harapan coalition in Malaysia’s general election that led to the democratic government transition in the 61 years since Malaysian independence.

In October and November 2018, Media4Democracy provided technical assistance to the EU Delegation including an extensive infield assessment to improve the Delegation’s understanding of the media and freedom of expression landscape and to assist the Delegation in identifying opportunities for actions in accordance with the new government’s policies and the EU’s values and priorities.

Media4Democracy international and national media experts met with government officials, media experts, international representatives and others during work in Kuala Lumpur and Penang and Sarawak.  In Kuala Lumpur, the team also briefed 10 Member States on media landscape and early findings.

At the close of field work in November, the team met with EU Delegation staff and discussed early assessment observations and recommendations, including those linked to the Delegation’s ongoing activities and priorities.