The proposal to create a statutory media council and to introduce a code of conduct for all Malaysian journalists raises more questions than it answers, said Universiti Sains Malaysia communications lecturer Dr Mustafa K Anuar.

Responding to malaysiakini 's questions, he said the objectives of self-regulation may be thwarted if the practical effects of currently restrictive laws are not taken into account first.

Copies of the draft proposal were distributed by the Malaysian Press Institute (MPI) to all media organisations early this week. Also on the mailing list were Deputy Prime Minister and Home Affairs Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and Information Ministry parliamentary secretary Zainuddin Maidin.

Mustafa's concerns were backed in a separate interview with Charter 2000 (a citizens' media initiative) joint co-ordinator Anil Netto who expressed doubt as to intentions behind the proposal.

Civil society concerns

Said Anil: "I see the proposal as an attempt to stifle independent and alternative journalism. Those concerned about media freedom and independent journalism have every reason to be worried.

"The people behind the proposal and those eventually responsible for monitoring compliance are hardly champions of media freedom. They are widely seen as establishment individuals who have the interests of the powers that be at heart."