The government should enact a law to guarantee press freedom, said the Working Committee for the Malaysian Chinese Organisations' Appeal for the General Elections or better known as "Ta Suen Suqiu".

The committee added that the enactment of a "Freedom of Information Act" will create a more transparent government through easier access of information.

"We believe the people have the right to be informed. This very right will provide people with correct information to make correct decisions," Suqiu said today in a statement faxed to malaysiakini .

The committee urged the government to make a commitment to uphold press freedom in conjunction with the "World Press Freedom Day" tomorrow.

"This right is not exclusive for the Westerners only," the committee said.

According to the committee, the absence of press freedom will bring about political instability, economic problems and social upheaval.

"When press freedom is suppressed, the public will not believe the mass media but resort to rumours and unconfirmed sources," they explained.

The committee expressed deep concern about the oppression suffered by the media, with reference to publication permit difficulties faced by Harakah , Detik and Eksklusif .

"Ta Suen Suqiu" was set up before last November polls to lobby for a fair and clean election, with representatives from more than 2,000 Chinese organisations nationwide.