In my opinion, the so-called press council to be established by the government is going to be another Suhakam or MTUC. It is going to be dominated in number by so-called 'journalists' and 'veteran journalists' from the Umno, MCA and MIC controlled media. These people have already formed an inner clique linked, by various channels and networks, to the ruling parties.

It will serve as a window-dressing device for the government to soften the pressure by the international community calling for free press in the country. It will trumpet the clause that "Malaysian journalists are independent".

Let us be honest and frank. The so-called press council will not be pressing for the abolition of the Printing Presses and Publications Act or the Official Secret Act. Instead, its very establishment and operation for lesser agenda will legitimise the oppressive law that stifle press freedom.

At most, I can foresee the press council will only host annual dinners every year and invite Umno leaders to be the keynote speakers. That is all. It is just another united front of the government infiltrated by agents of ruling parties.

Alternative media and independent journalists must not be fooled. They must not join it and unconsciously be used to legitimise the oppressive press environment. Alternative media and independent journalists must strive to follow international standards and norms of journalism.