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Formulate A More Open And Liberal Policy For All Publications, Films And Other Media Statement by Dr Tan Seng Giaw, DAP National Vice-Chairman and MP for Kepong on the comment by the Deouty Home Minister Datuk Chor Chee Heong that the cancellation of permit for a publication has nothing to do with politics. 30 December 1999 | |||||||
| Malaysians have always suspected that the Government through the Home Ministry has been too political on the censorship of publications and the issuance of licenses. The Government denies it. Successive Home Ministers and his Deputies have stressed the Barisan Nasional Government's adherence to freedom of expression and freedom of the press as well as an open publication policy. It would not cancel a license for political reasons. Datuk Chor said that since Merdeka (Malaysian Independence 42 years ago) and under the Government's liberal policy, our country has 43 newspapers of various languages and more than 23 Sunday publications as well as hundreds of imported publications. We agree that in our multiracial, multireligious and multicultural society, any publication that affects tolerance and harmony will not be accepted by the public. We should not compromise on this. The | |
Home Ministry has censorship on all publications, films and Koranic texts so as to ensure that these publications will not violate national interest or destroy public peace. In 1998, the Ministry examines 731,663 publications. We hope that the criteria for the objective is truly open and liberal. Now, it believes that a small number of publications such as Harakah (the PAS, Pan Malaysian Islamic Party, newspaper) are against the rules. Obviously, the Barisan Alternatif, the Opposition, has a different view including the Government's illiberal rules and political motive to ban the newspaper. Besides upholding tolerance, harmony and public peace, the Government must consider seriously the impact of information technology in the New Millennium such as the effects of Internet. Hence, it must formulate a liberal and open policy (on censorship) which is acceptable to the people.
Dr Tan Seng Giaw | |||||
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