There is very little that is new tabled at the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) workshop

on the media. Even chairperson Abu Talib Othman's proposals on the changes to the law were a reiteration of the demands of media practitioners. It would be better to have Abu Talib making commitments to take certain strategic actions (no more talk-shops) to lobby for the changes to the law within an appropriate time frame.

Information Ministry parliamentary secretary Zainuddin Maidin's speech

as reported looks like a recycling of his paper on World Press Freedom day (May 3) this year.

Except for using this time to announce the names of two new commissioners to Suhakam, the meeting is really a waste of tax-payers' money. We will see if the public thinks that by having the much respected legal eagle KC Vohrah will draw the respect needed for the failing image of the commission. The commissioners will have to learn that it is deeds and not words that is crucial.