The ballyhoo over Lim Kit Siang's remarks over a New Straits Times report would have been more convincing if the said report came from a newspaper that has been equal and consistent in its reporting of parliamentary proceedings.

The fact is that newspapers in this country have become like government agencies - extremely thin-skinned over criticisms directed at them. Lofty principles and extreme sensitivities are displayed in attacking what are often no more than trivial complaints.

The episode concerning the reaction to malaysiakini's April Fool's prank in is an example of such a reaction from government sources.

In truth, many government agencies and newspapers have no inkling about their greater role, the role that the law aims to protect. Instead, legal principles and rights that are often ignored or trampled upon in the exercise of their roles are raised by these same bodies when their thin skins are pierced. Such actions display contempt rather than respect for the law or guardian principles.

The NST and other media are entitled and have a duty to report on the behaviour of parliamentarians and other officials who are fed by taxpayers' money.

But they also have a duty to report fairly and accurately important matters affecting the nation that are debated in the assemblies of the people's representatives.