It was reported today that DBKL (KL City Hall) has come out with new script-vetting procedures.

This raises many serious ramifications.

The main issues revolve around the mother of all freedoms, viz freedom of speech and expression. DBKL is a local authority concerned primarily with provision of local services. DBKL is not the custodian of public morals nor is it the censorship authority.

This assault on our civil liberties must be resisted vigourously, if need be, by court action. The action and procedures that DBKL is proposing are 'ultra vires' and usurping the role of Parliament and the judiciary.

What kind of creativity are we espousing if scripts have to be submitted 14 days in advance? When will approval be given, the day before the show? How will promoters make booking arrangements, advertising, tickets etc if the approval does not come in good time?

These procedures smell of blackmail. Such draconian controls are even more insidious than people being fined for holding hands in public.

Why should a handful of appointed civil servants decide what should or should not be fit for public entertainment? What is the criteria?

I suggest that all public interest groups in KL convene urgently to act on this matter.