The print media wants to publish certain things but is unable to do so because the law - namely the Printing Presses and Publications Act (PPPA) - keeps it on a leash.

However, the internet media - which is not governed by this Act - is allowed to roam a little further.

So the print media barks that this is unfair and points out the anomaly to the government.

"They (the print media) feel there is double standards and that it is not a level playing field," said Deputy Internal Security Minister Fu Ah Kiow yesterday.

In view of this, the government will now study the possibility of including the internet media under the PPPA.

According to a news report, he said there has been much development in the media world since the PPPA was formulated 20 years ago.

"We too admit there is this gap between the various types of media. We are looking into whether to set up one unit to monitor the different types of media," he added.

Wrong tree

Fu said the study would also ascertain if the Act was relevant to present needs.

"Just because we are studying it doesn't mean that it will be amended," added the deputy minister.

Numerous quarters have called on the government to repeal the PPPA which they argue stifles freedom of expression and freedom of information.

Under the Act, publications are required to renew their licenses annually.

Meanwhile, a media observer, commenting on the latest development, said the print media was barking up the wrong tree.

He said they should be pushing for the repeal of the Act instead of widening its restrictive powers.

The observer, who declined to be named, also stressed that greater freedom must be accompanied by greater responsibility on the part of news organisations.