Numerous recommendations on media reforms by the Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ) to Human Rights Commission (Suhakam), have up until now, been ignored.

CIJ executive director V Gayathry said that the recommendations "were not new ideas" but fundamental issues that needed to be addressed.

bloggers solidarity for raja petra pc 070508 gayathry "There must be freedom of information and expression as it is linked with other freedom as well... but it has been ignored.

"If Suhakam does not take it up, then we don't have any other place to go," said Gayathry ( right ) during a conference at the Suhakam headquarters in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

Minister in the PM's department Nazri Abdul Aziz said recently the Internal Security Act (ISA), Official Secret Act (OSA) and Printing Presses and Publication Act (PPPA) will be maintained.

"His statement is very discouraging, we have to put more pressure on the government," said Gayathry, who pointed out that the civil society organistions and journalists have been making recommendations since 1999.

NONE It included a memorandum submitted to Suhakam to highlight serious violations of freedom of expression in 2002.

Yesterday, the media watchdog submitted a four-memorandum to Suhakam commissioner Dr Denison Jayasoori.

NGOs such as Sisters in Islam, Empower, Suaram and Malaysiakini also took part in the press conference.

‘Suhakam is not the problem'

Jayasooria said the commission position is "to study a particular issue and make adequate recommendations to the government".

NONE "Suhakam has been consistent in raising issues. The review of the PPPA, for instance, is something Suhakam has consistently been calling for," said Jayasooria.

"The commission will continue to lobby and influence the process of change."

Jayasooria ( left ) said he will present the four-point memorandum at the next meeting of the commission for consideration. They are that:

1. Suhakam needs to take a stronger stand on media independence.

2. Suhakam needs to initiate and facilitate the establishment of a Parliamentary Select Committee on Media Law Reform.

3. Suhakam should push for the repeal of PPPA.

4. Suhakam should take steps to ensure the enactment of Freedom of Information Laws.