Freedom of the press in Myanmar has declined slightly over the past year, according to a global survey by Reporters Without Borders published this week.
The country climbed one place in the ranking, coming in 143rd out of 180 countries surveyed, but was given a worse overall score in the index where 100 represents the most freedom and 0 the least.
Reporters Without Borders awarded Myanmar a score of 45.48, as compared to 42.08 in 2015.
“The Burmese government seems to have opted for (closely) monitored freedom instead of the drastic censorship that was in effect until recently,” the report said, referring to the previous Thein Sein-led administration. “So media that cover political subjects have a bit more freedom.”
The organization pointed to self-censorship by state media, which avoids criticizing the government or armed forces, as an indication of the limit to reforms.
“Tensions between Muslims and Buddhists continues to be a highly sensitive subject,” the report added.
Journalists in Myanmar have enjoyed increased freedom since pre-publication censorship was abolished in 2012, but self-censorship on certain topics, especially the military, is routinely practiced.
The new government led by long-suffering former opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, which took power on April 1, has promised to boost freedom of the press.
Five journalists were included in an amnesty of political prisoners earlier this month.
With the exception of Thailand, which placed 136th, Myanmar’s neighbors all fared worse in the index, with Bangladesh in 144th place, Malaysia in 146th and Singapore at 154th. Laos and Vietnam came in 173rd and 175th respectively.
Eritea came last, in 180th place, while Finland was declared most free.
Media freedom rankings in Southeast Asia
Thailand, 136
Myanmar, 143
Malaysia, 146
Laos, 173
Vietnam, 175
