A number of journalists have expressed concern that the initiative to establish a Malaysian press council might not achieve its aim to bring about a "freer press" and to regain public confidence in the media's credibility.

Ahmad Lutfi Othman, the former editor of bimonthly magazine Detik (which recently had the renewal of its publishing permit rejected), said the National Press Council was not going to be effective as long as the Printing Presses and Publications Act (PPPA) remains.

"There is a possibility that such a council's existence could be used by the government as a basis to counter critics on the lack of press freedom in Malaysia.

"From our experience, organisations such as the National Union of Journalists kept silent when Detik's permit was not renewed; so I don't see if a press council would be any better in advancing and protecting the interests of journalists under a government that is not supportive of press freedom," Lutfi said.

However, Lutfi praised the efforts of the journalists in fighting for greater freedom of the press.

"But I don't see how things can change and improve as long as the mainstream media are in the ownership of elite groups or businessmen linked with the government," he added.

It will be anticipated that such a council's membership is likely to be dominated by personalities linked to the government, Lutfi said, although the journalists in their memorandum have suggested the membership to comprise "distinguished members of society such as lawyers, former judges and academics" besides professionals in the media industry.

Meanwhile, National Union of Journalist secretary general Hong Boon How said that the proposal may serve as the "hidden agenda" of some quarters.

"We don't want to see the council being used for purposes which stray from its original concept," Hong told malaysiakini. "We do not want the council to curb press freedom."

However, Hong said the union will study the proposal taking into account the opinions from all sides. He added that the NUJ supports the abolishment of the PPPA.

According to NUJ president Norila Mohd Daud, the group of journalists which met with Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi acted on their own initiative without the NUJ's official involvement.

A group of six journalists from The Star, New Straits Times and Berita Harian met with Abdullah yesterday to follow up on a journalists' petition calling for press freedom last year.

At the meeting, Abdullah, who is also Home Minister, agreed to look at the press council proposal.

The journalists also presented a second batch of 370 signatures by journalists to add to the first petition handed in last May 3 - to mark World Press Freedom Day - which consisted of 581 signatures to a memorandum calling for the repeal of the PPPA.

DAP secretary-general Kerk Kim Hock in a statement today welcomes the establishment of the press council. He said the council must not only ensure the existence of a free and independent media but to ensure responsible and ethical news reporting.

"The council should be given the power to investigate complaints about any improper interference of a free and independent press by the government or political parties." he said.

Kerk added that the council should also be given powers to investigate the complaints of irresponsible, inaccurate and unethical reporting and to mete out the necessary penalties.