The call by the editors of our local media for greater press freedom in this country should be welcomed by all. It is about time that the country which has first class infrastructure and wants first class service should have first class watchdog bodies who can report without fear and favor on all that is happening in our country

In this border-less and Internet savvy world that we are living in, news, good or bad, travels faster than the speed of bullets and you can't prevent it from reaching the public.

The editors of newspapers in this country should not be to cozy with politicians or other top guns in the public and private sectors. Such cosiness might compromise their principles in not reporting news or in suppressing news which is detrimental to the party or company concerned.

All abuse of power by those in authorities, corruptions practice and other malaises should be reported freely. As the adage says 'tell the truth and shame the devil'.

The government should now rescind all archaic laws that curtail press freedom. Our local editors are capable and mature enough to be self-regulatory and have enough common sense not to print articles which can spark ill-feelings among the various race of this country.

It is a well-known secret that the local press now don't dare to go against the government. The episode of the closure of one leading newspaper in the early '90s has cowed editors and publishers, particularly of one English tabloid.

As a result, the credibility of our local newspapers is in tatters and people nowadays prefer not to read the mainstream press which is full of stories praising the government besides being a platform to lambast opposition parties over the most trivial of matters.

The fourth estate is duty-bound to write the truth even if it hurts the feeling of those in power. Politicians have to accept the fact they are subject to the scrutiny of the public and have to lead an honest life.

Good politicians and corporate leaders should have good ears which are willing to accept constructive criticisms to improve themselves rather than having a cowed press spin tales of fancy to improve their image in the public eye.