A United Nations' conference o­n the future of Malaysian media started today with the government representatives arguing that a Freedom of Information Act was not suitable for the country while media practitioners and civil groups disagreed.

Deputy Home Minister Chor Chee Heung (photo) said the government was "by no means a closed-door government" but has retained media laws since independence to safeguard multi-ethnic, multi-religious and multi-cultural harmony.

"A journalist wants full access to information, everything. But a policy-maker has to make sure that the country is governed well, that citizens from different backgrounds are well-protected and able to live in peace and harmony.