MCA: Give mainstream media level playing field
Published: Oct 2, 2011 8:54 AM | Updated: Oct 2, 2011 11:56 PM
MCA today called for the abolition of the Printing Presses and Publications Act (PPPA) to allow a level playing field for the mainstream media.
MCA today called for the abolition of the Printing Presses and Publications Act (PPPA) to allow a level playing field for the mainstream media.
Speaking at the 58th MCA annual general assembly at the party headquarters in Kuala Lumpur this morning, MCA president Chua Soi Lek (right, with Najib on the right) said the law gives an unfair advantage to the online media.
"At the moment, there is no level playing field between the traditional and online media. The print media is subjected to various laws, but the new media seems to have a free hand. There should be no such discrimination."
The statement was made in the presence of Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak who opened the assembly in his capacity of BN chairperson.
Najib had on Malaysia Day eve announced changes to certain oppressive laws, including amendments to the PPPA saying the government would abolish the need for annual publication permit renewal, replacing it with an one off application.
However, MCA is calling for the the law's complete repeal, the amendment does not guarantee an unfettered press since the government can still revoke a publishing licence at any time.
"The MCA feels the press should have the liberty to exercise self-control. Already there are laws such as the Sedition Act and Official Secrets Act to check on any deviation or wrong committed by media outlets," said Chua.
‘Amend UUCA’
Chua also called on the government to amend the University and University College Act, a law that was not included in Najib's Malaysia Day announcement .
He said liberalising the learning environment to allow and allowing lecturers and students more space for political participation was necessary to "respect their rights" as voters.
Meanwhile staying firm on the teaching of mathematics and science in vernacular language at primary school level, Chua also called for the subjects to be taught in English and Malay at the secondary level.
"A schedule should also be decided by the government to make English language as a compulsory passing subject for SPM," said Chua.
In 2003, the former premier Mahathir Mohamad had introduced the teaching of mathematics and science in English for both primary and secondary school.
However the policy faced fierce opposition from educationaists bent on defending their respective community's mother tongue, leading to a reversal of the policy, to take full force in 2012.
Speaking at the 58th MCA annual general assembly at the party headquarters in Kuala Lumpur this morning, MCA president Chua Soi Lek (right, with Najib on the right) said the law gives an unfair advantage to the online media."At the moment, there is no level playing field between the traditional and online media. The print media is subjected to various laws, but the new media seems to have a free hand. There should be no such discrimination."
The statement was made in the presence of Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak who opened the assembly in his capacity of BN chairperson.
Najib had on Malaysia Day eve announced changes to certain oppressive laws, including amendments to the PPPA saying the government would abolish the need for annual publication permit renewal, replacing it with an one off application.
However, MCA is calling for the the law's complete repeal, the amendment does not guarantee an unfettered press since the government can still revoke a publishing licence at any time.
"The MCA feels the press should have the liberty to exercise self-control. Already there are laws such as the Sedition Act and Official Secrets Act to check on any deviation or wrong committed by media outlets," said Chua.
‘Amend UUCA’
Chua also called on the government to amend the University and University College Act, a law that was not included in Najib's Malaysia Day announcement .
He said liberalising the learning environment to allow and allowing lecturers and students more space for political participation was necessary to "respect their rights" as voters.Meanwhile staying firm on the teaching of mathematics and science in vernacular language at primary school level, Chua also called for the subjects to be taught in English and Malay at the secondary level.
"A schedule should also be decided by the government to make English language as a compulsory passing subject for SPM," said Chua.
In 2003, the former premier Mahathir Mohamad had introduced the teaching of mathematics and science in English for both primary and secondary school.
However the policy faced fierce opposition from educationaists bent on defending their respective community's mother tongue, leading to a reversal of the policy, to take full force in 2012.
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