Kuala lumpur: Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil is looking to strengthen media cooperation with Timor-Leste through agencies under his ministry, including the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) and Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM). The intention was conveyed during a meeting with a Timor-Leste delegation led by the country's Secretary of State for Social Communication, Expedito Loro Dias Ximenes, accompanied by the president of Timor-Leste's news agency, Agencia Noticiosa de Timor-Leste (TATOLI), Noemio Mateus Soares Falcao, and its deputy president, Madalena DE JCP Carlos.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Fahmi expressed his hope to enhance cooperation between Bernama and RTM and their counterparts in Timor-Leste. He proposed that the Tun Abdul Razak Broadcasting and Information Institute (IPPTAR) host training sessions for journalists from Timor-Leste. During the meeting, Fahmi and Ximenes also exchanged views on Timor-Leste's standing in the World Press Freedom Index published by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), in which the country ranks highest in Southeast Asia and 30th out of 180 countries.
Fahmi shared his insights on how Timor-Leste achieved such a high ranking in the RSF World Press Freedom Index, with Timor-Leste ranked first in Southeast Asia, while Malaysia holds the second position. He noted that the MADANI Government is committed to strengthening efforts, policies, and initiatives aimed at improving Malaysia's standing in the index. Despite significant improvements over the past few years, Fahmi believes there is room for further enhancement to climb higher in the RSF World Press Freedom Index.
The meeting was attended by various officials, including Communications Ministry secretary-general Datuk Abdul Halim Hamzah, deputy secretary-general Datuk Bahria Mohd Tamil, Bernama chairman Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai, Bernama chief executive officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin, Broadcasting director-general Ashwad Ismail, and Bernama editor-in-chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj. The Timor-Leste delegation is in Malaysia for the HAWANA 2026 main event at the PICCA Convention Centre Butterworth Arena, which has gathered around 1,000 local and foreign media practitioners under the theme 'Media Integrity Strengthens Credibility'. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is scheduled to officiate the event at 3 pm.