The National Union of Journalists (NUJ) has called on Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak to be more open to principles of accountability and transparency, in light of key demands of the information age.

nuj journalist forum 050907 norila daud In a statement to observe World Press Freedom Day yesterday, NUJ president Norila Daud reiterated the annual appeal to the government to “amend, repeal or improve laws”, so that these do not oppress the media and suppress the dissemination of information.

In a statement, she said stringent enforcement of the Printing Presses and Publications Act, Official Secrets Act (OSA) and Internal Security Act have affected the operations of the media - and therefore its credibility in the eyes of the public.

“NUJ wants the government to repeal the OSA (in particular to remove the mandatory jail sentence), and replace it with a Freedom of Information Act,” said Norila.

press freedom In addition, she said the system of annual renewal of licences or permits should be abolished, as this prevents media organisations from doing their job properly.

“Show-cause letters have been issued against (some), while (others have had their) licences (suspended) because they had failed to abide by the (government’s) guidelines, she said.

Media practitioners, the government, politicians and the public should also evaluate the status of press freedom in Malaysia, she added.