DAP launched it web radio in Petaling Jaya today in line with the objectives of the United Nations in declaring World Press Freedom Day.

Speaking at the launch, party chairperson Lim Kit Siang said that the Malaysian Constitution and the Rukunegara commit Malaysia to a democratic way of life.

"But for decades, Malaysians have been denied the lifeblood of a meaningful democracy, a free, independent and vibrant press," he said.

Lim cited several international surveys which indicated that Malaysia had a very bad press freedom record.

Surveys

Among the surveys he cited were the New York-based Freedom House latest survey of 193 countries which rated Malaysia "Not Free" among the 40 countries with the world's worst press freedom record.

Others include the Paris-based Reporters Without Borders who ranked Malaysia 110th out of 139 nations in its first worldwide index of press freedom.

Malaysia was placed behind most Southeast Asian countries and in the company of African and Asian dictatorships like Zimbabwe, Libya, Burma and North Korea.

"Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad has appeared every year in the international roll of dishonour as 'Enemies of Press Freedom'," Lim said.

Yesterday, Mahathir was again named by the Paris-based Reporters Without Borders in its latest list of 42 "Predators of Press Freedom".

Mahathir was placed along side Robert Mugabe, King Jong-iL, Jiang Zemin, Fidel Castro and Ariel Sharon.

Suspend anti-press laws

On a related issue, Lim said Malaysia should have a national media council as an important first step to establish a free, independent and responsible press.

"[It should not be set up] to more effectively entrench the repressive conditions which have kept Malaysia in the 30 bottom-ranked countries o­n press freedom in the world," said Lim.

He also proposed that anti-press laws like Printing Presses and Publications Act, Official Secrets Act, Sedition Act and Internal Security Act be suspended during the first three-year trial run of the Malaysian Media Council.

This should be done, he said, in order to usher in a free and independent media which will make the Malaysian Media Council relevant and not a stranger to press freedom.