The international media has lost confidence in the Malaysia's policy on foreign publications, charged Parti Keadilan Rakyat vice-president Mohd Azmin Ali on the heels of an explanation as to why the Economist yearbook is not available locally.

He said the London-based publisher's decision to withhold circulation of the publication entitled 'The World in 2004' was reflective of Malaysia's "bad track record" brought about by its controls over the media.

Following Mohd Azmin's press conference seeking clarification as to why the book is not available in Malaysia, the magazine's Asia-Pacific representative had attributed the decision to fear of a ban because of inclusion of a critical article by jailed ex-deputy premier Anwar Ibrahim.

Previous encounters with those in political circles have led to the magazine being lambasted for unfair coverage of Malaysian affairs and being threatened with legal action. Two issues were banned last year.

This morning, Mohd Azmin noted that the government leadership may have changed, but that the policies remain the same.

"The only way to win the confidence of the international community and media is by putting words into action....this includes repealing repressive laws," he said.

Under the Printing Presses and Publications Act, local and foreign publications are subject to scrutiny by the Home Ministry, which is empowered to withhold or ban material deemed to contain inappropriate or sensitive elements.

'Political statements'

Azmin ( left ), who is also the Hulu Klang state assembly representative, interpreted the Economist's decision as a sign that the international community still has doubts about Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's pledges on good governance, transparency and democracy.

"To prove otherwise, Abdullah must put things in action rather than merely make political pronouncements. He should allow for dissenting opinion and encourage people to speak up," he said.

"The government and Home Ministry should ensure there is free flow of information. The Economist is a popular magazine to which many prominent leaders subscribe."

The yearbook was released for sale last November and priced at RM50 per copy. Anwar was the only Asean leader invited to contribute. Other articles were by US Secretary of State Colin Powell and former Czech Republic president Vaclav Havel.