As a new order slowly takes root in Malaysia, her more democratically aware citizens are pushing for reforms after decades of subjugation.

One immensely popular call is for press freedom. The public want to see their media free itself from the political muzzle which has prevented it from baring its teeth...on selective issues.

They are parched for an expose that would rock the nation or even, to keep abreast with the vocabulary trend, effect a 'regime change'. Malaysians are demanding their very own Putra-gate scandal.

At present, the Printing Presses and Publications Act (PPPA) and a host of other laws are keeping the watchdogs in check but what if these are repealed or amended?

Without legal regulation, the media would then be required to regulate itself. From the ashes of a shackled media, a responsible one must arise or mayhem would rule.

Are our media industry and public ready for such a radical change?

After the protracted subjection to self-censorship and doing the bidding of their political masters would journalists and editors be able to adapt.

And after years of receiving partisan news, opinions and editorials, would the public be able to handle the sudden free-flow of information.

A timebomb

In a multi-racial and multi-religious society, press freedom could prove to be a ticking bomb. Some segments may welcome the contestation of ideas and myriad viewpoints on taboo subjects but not all would feel the same.

In reality, press freedom is more of a middle-class luxury. With a roof over our heads and a decent income, we then find ourselves in a position to view the larger, more colourful picture.

But for the man on the street, who is struggling to make ends meet, the picture is still in black and white. Any 'drastic' change could spell doom.

One could argue that to a certain extent, Malaysia has been spared any major ethnic conflicts in recent times due to the restraints upon the media.

Moreover, in a pedantic society, how far can this freedom be stretched. Will it extend to pornography or will such materials be restricted hence diverting the argument along a new path.

Online hope

In recent years, the internet has offered a glimmer of hope. Websites experimenting with this unbridled liberty are mushrooming with ever increasing frequency. But is there really an objective, independent media floating about in cyberspace?

It's difficult to say. With freedom, the risk of manipulation is greater because it is covert. So these online media organisations tend to fall prey, sometimes voluntarily, to a subtler form of spin-doctoring.

Existing in a realm where the law has been rather accommodative has also made them somewhat irresponsible and ethics are sometimes compromised. This is hardly a benchmark for the future of the Malaysian media.

It is sad to see a noble aim used as a front to promote jaundiced views from the other end of the political spectrum, hence making them guilty of the same crime which the so-called 'mainstream media' is accused of.

The limited access to official information and the lack of recognition among the powers-that-be compound the problem.

Politicians and officials who have become too comfortable with the old media view the new one as a threat.

In the past, a slip-up at a press conference could be covered-up via a reminder to editors, but this would not work with the new media.

So instead of polishing their public relations skills and doing their homework, these officials simply opt to shun the new media while the publicity-famished opposition embraces them.

A myth?

Now comes the most crucial question of all. Is there absolute press freedom or is it merely an utopian ideal? In the age of profiteering, this is a simple question to tackle.

If the desired changes come and political masters release the reigns, corporate masters will assume control and new agendas will take effect.

A bleaker scenario would be when these corporate masters have political alignments thus the fiefdom resurrects and reconfigures itself along more democratically acceptable lines.

In view of all these, is press freedom still worth fighting for. Yes it is and many have already given their lives and liberty for it. The people have the right to know and those in positions of power must be made accountable.

Press freedom will benefit all, the public would be given another avenue to seek justice should justice be denied elsewhere.

However, those who are championing press freedom must remember that there is no globally-compatible blueprint.

The degree of press freedom varies from one society to another, dictated by their respective socio-economic conditions

Ignoring this could lead to greater peril. As the old saying goes, 'The road to hell is paved with good intentions'.

But come hell or highwater, nobody should be punished for exposing the truth, and when this becomes a reality in Malaysia, so will press freedom.

RK ANAND is a member of the malaysiakini team.