The first worldwide press freedom index published by the Reporters Without Borders (RSF) clearly indicates that the state of affairs of press freedom in Malaysia is alarming. According to RSF, "This index of press freedom is a portrait of the situation based o­n events between September 2001 and October 2002. It does not take account of all human rights violations, o­nly those that affect press freedom."

Malaysia is ranked deplorably at 110th in the aforementioned index, even lower than Afghanistan and Liberia, out of 139 countries. The countries that show the highest regard for press freedom are mostly the so-called "First World countries" - notably the highly industrialised northern and western European countries.

The period between September 2001 and October 2002, during which the survey was conducted, was remarkable in the international political scene as it was the post-Sept 11 era. Likewise, the Malaysia scenario was coloured by many important developments; among them the "Islamic state" declaration by Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, the mass detentions under the Internal Security Act, the announcement of post-Mahathir transition and the proposal to change the medium of instruction of mathematics and science.

Coincidentally it was during the same period too that parliamentary secretary to the Information Ministry Zainuddin Maidin, now deputy information minister, rose through the ranks of the domestic political hierarchy. However he was and is still notorious for masterminding the media assault o­n PAS, the ruling coalition's most feared after political rival. He also unscrupulously portrayed the Dong Jiao Zong and DAP as chauvinists for their uncompromising objection to the language switch and the former's defence of mother tongue education.

The recent raid o­n malaysiakini had furthered tainted the country's image as far as press freedom is concerned. The incident clearly highlighted the authority's disdain for press freedom and freedom of expression. The existence of the Printing Presses and Publications Act has long denied the right to inform of the responsible publishers, as well as the right to be informed of the mass public.

I take this chance to urge the PM-in-waiting who is also the home minister, Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, to rectify and remedy this situation. Respect for press freedom, in my humble opinion, is an essential step to nurturing "First World mentality" among Malaysians.

As a first step, the government should honour the World Press Freedom Day this May 3. Parliament should make a serious commitment to review all the laws that obstruct press freedom in Malaysia.