The amendments to the Printing Presses and Publications Act (PPPA) will not herald more press freedom, says press NGO Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ).

In a statement today, it said that while there is no more need for annual permits, the government still has affective control as the minister can still revoke permits at will.

“Newspapers will still be subjected to show-cause letters and be required to answer summonses from the Home Ministry if they publish articles that displease the minister or ministry officials,” it said.

The show-cause letter could still be used as a “political tool” by any political party in the government, and editors could still be subject to ministry “advice”.

It added that the amendments do not address the fact that most newspapers in Malaysia are owned by political parties, and this hampers journalists' ability to report fairly.

NONE Agreeing with this position, PKR vice-president N Surendran ( left ) argued that Section 3 (3) was tantamount to a permanent threat against newspaper owners and editors to toe the federal government line.

“There is thus no significant difference between the provisions of the old PPPA 1984 and the amended version,” he said.

In view of this, Surendran said, the Najib Abdul Razak administration was insincere when it pledged on Sept 15 last year to bring forth more press freedom.

“Proper and functioning democracies do not impose licence requirements for the mass media.

“If the prime minister and the BN government are genuine about lifting restrictions on the press, why impose the licence requirement?” asked Surendran.

‘Repeal, not amend PPPA’

Stressing his case further, he said that the amended PPPA is in essence the same, pointing out that Section 8A of the law allows punishment for “false news”.

“Section 8A is like a sword hanging over the head of printers, publishers, editors and writers, and has a chilling effect on press freedom,” he said.

Surendran said that in all, the amendments were clearly designed to perpetuate the government’s grip on newspapers while creating a facade that the Najib administration is on a reform agenda.

In view of this, Surendran added, the government should withdraw this amendment Bill and instead repeal PPPA in its entirety.

PPPA amendments placed before House