MCA president Dr Chua Soi Lek supported the review of the Printing Presses and Publication Act (PPPA) to clip the Home Minister’s power over media.

“Perhaps a review of the Act is necessary so that it does not give absolute power or discretion to the Home Minister in granting, refusing, suspending or revoking printing permits.”

NONE Chua ( left ) announced the stance to some 500 journalists and media practitioners in his welcoming speech during the MCA media night tonight at MCA headquarters.

“There should be a panel to review the Act to ensure there is fairness towards the media owners who have invested hundreds of millions in machines and human resource development.

“The panel should also look into ways to make it easier for investors to obtain permits to publish,” said Chua.

“The review of the act is something the MCA will support.”

The current PPPA which covers all printed media, gives the Home Minister the power to grant and suspend any publication and the decision cannot be challenged in court.

Last month, Home Ministry secretary-general Mahmood Adam was quoted by news reports as saying that the PPPA will be amended to expand its scope and include ‘publications’ posted online and plug loopholes.

His announcement evoked strong criticism from civil society and media organisations, warning that it would further suppress the limited freedom of expression in the country.

Following the protests, Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Liew Vui Keong later said there is no indication that any amendment will be made to the PPPA during the March sitting of Parliament.

‘Constructive instead of adversarial role’

Meanwhile, Chua urged local media to play a constructive role in nation building instead of an adversarial role against the government.

“I know some journalists do not want to praise the government when it does well because they believe their job is to be critical of the government and not to praise the government even when it does good things.”

He said it not not “fair journalism or balanced reporting”.

internet media and print media “It’s good journalism to help in nation building and improving the lives of the people. And journalists and media must support policies aimed at improving the welfare of the people and country like the 1Malaysia agenda and the Economic Transformation Programme.”

However, Chua added that he is not suggesting the media to become a mouthpiece of the government.

“Being constructive means criticising and exposing the faults of the government when it deserves to be criticised. But at the same time, the media must be prepared to explain and defend government actions and policies that are good and also to highlight the achievements of the government of the day,” he said.

On the rise of Internet media and online social networking, Chua said it gives more opportunities for people to spread lies and distortions.

However he still believed in information freedom in the cyberspace.

“We will have to live with it. We must have faith that eventually, the truth will prevail and people will not be so easily swayed by those who tell lies.”

The annual media night was attended by some 500 guests from the media. A karaoke contest was organised for the journalists.

There was also a lucky draw which gave out attractive prizes such as domestic and overseas air tickets, an Ipad and a digital TV set.