A United Nations' conference o­n the future of Malaysian media started today with the government representatives arguing that a Freedom of Information Act was not suitable for the country while media practitioners and civil groups disagreed.

Deputy Home Minister Chor Chee Heung ( photo ) said the government was "by no means a closed-door government" but has retained media laws since independence to safeguard multi-ethnic, multi-religious and multi-cultural harmony.

"A journalist wants full access to information, everything. But a policy-maker has to make sure that the country is governed well, that citizens from different backgrounds are well-protected and able to live in peace and harmony.