Gerakan: Abolish annual licensing of newspapers
Published: Sep 7, 2009 7:49 AM | Updated: Sep 7, 2009 7:51 AM
Barisan Nasional's component member Gerakan today urged the government to abolish the annual licensing of newspapers immediately to promote a freer, fairer and more vibrant press in the country.
Barisan Nasional's component member Gerakan today urged the government to abolish the annual licensing of newspapers immediately to promote a freer, fairer and more vibrant press in the country.
Gerakan secretary-general Teng Chang Yeow said in a statement that the need to renew the printing permit every year had in way affected the press to discharge its watchdog role impartially and effectively.
He was commenting on Home Minister Hishammuddin Hussein's recent remarks on the possible review of the Printing Presses and Publication Act.
He welcomed the minister's statement and urged the government to allow the main stream media to operate more independently without fear and favour.
"We are a fast growing nation, with a matured population. The people should be allowed to read what they want to read.
"In the final analysis, it is the people who will decide whether what they have read is good or bad.
He said this was also consistent with Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak's statement that the era where the government knows best was over.
"However, this is not to say that no control is needed. It is the method of control that is most important. With freedom of course comes responsibility. Freedom and responsibility complements one another, for there cannot be one without the other. Emphasis should be placed on this understanding," he added.
He further said that there were adequate laws to ensure that media or people who practice indiscretion can be dealt with accordingly.
Speed up probe on PKFZ
Meanwhile, on another matter, Gerakan deputy president Chang Ko Youn called on the government to speed up its investigation of the PKFZ issue and to take legal action against any offenders who have contributed to the colossal losses of the project.
"This is the focal point of the nation's attention and everyone is watching the government and its action on this issue (PKFZ).
"If a royal commission is needed to unearth the truth then one should be formed without any undue delay" Chang said.
Chang said this was a good opportunity for the government to demonstrate its commitment to combat corruption and to promote transparency and accountability.
Gerakan secretary-general Teng Chang Yeow said in a statement that the need to renew the printing permit every year had in way affected the press to discharge its watchdog role impartially and effectively.
He was commenting on Home Minister Hishammuddin Hussein's recent remarks on the possible review of the Printing Presses and Publication Act.
He welcomed the minister's statement and urged the government to allow the main stream media to operate more independently without fear and favour."We are a fast growing nation, with a matured population. The people should be allowed to read what they want to read.
"In the final analysis, it is the people who will decide whether what they have read is good or bad.
He said this was also consistent with Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak's statement that the era where the government knows best was over.
"However, this is not to say that no control is needed. It is the method of control that is most important. With freedom of course comes responsibility. Freedom and responsibility complements one another, for there cannot be one without the other. Emphasis should be placed on this understanding," he added.
He further said that there were adequate laws to ensure that media or people who practice indiscretion can be dealt with accordingly.
Speed up probe on PKFZ
Meanwhile, on another matter, Gerakan deputy president Chang Ko Youn called on the government to speed up its investigation of the PKFZ issue and to take legal action against any offenders who have contributed to the colossal losses of the project."This is the focal point of the nation's attention and everyone is watching the government and its action on this issue (PKFZ).
"If a royal commission is needed to unearth the truth then one should be formed without any undue delay" Chang said.
Chang said this was a good opportunity for the government to demonstrate its commitment to combat corruption and to promote transparency and accountability.
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