YOURSAY 'The Umno-owned newspaper has this exclusive right regardless of the number of times it gets sued and is found guilty of defamation.'

Publishing permit a privilege, not a right, argues gov't

Anonymous_4056: It is clear that the freedom of expression is guaranteed by the federal constitution and the print media is an integral part of that expression. The home minister and government should not be conferred the power to stymie this right.

The print media remains an important aspect of the democracy system. As for the need to regulate the newspapers, we have many laws for this purpose. And as for too many newspapers, let it be a survival of the fittest.

Hold Awam Accountable: While freedom of the press is a right in other countries, it is a 'privilege' in Malaysia. And what's this about needing to control the number of publications "as there were a lot in the market"?

The government doesn't need to control publications. Market forces will make sure untrustworthy and irresponsible publications fail. Just as voters will decide if BN survives in the next general election.

P Dev Anand Pillai: Dear learned senior federal counsel Norhisham Ismail, with your argument, you have just made known to the whole world that our constitution is a piece of paper which the government of the day doesn't pay any heed to.

You have just shown what the federal government thinks of the constitution as an instrument which safeguards the fundamental civil liberties of this democracy of ours. You may soon become a judge, we will very well know what kind of judge you will make.

Not Confused: Wrong, Norhisham. It is an inalienable right under the constitution that freedom expression cannot be legislated away - end of story.

The government does not approve of Malaysiakini because it is clearly impartial and independent of government interference.

On the other hand, Utusan Malaysia and rest of the discredited MSM (mainstream media) are feted since they are in bed with Umno and are reliant on being spoon-fed to stay alive. Indeed, professional journalism is anathema to all of them.

Onyourtoes: Everything is upside down. How can the denial of a permit be significantly different from the revocation of a permit when the home minister exercises his authority? Both will be deprived of a permit to operate.

In a democracy, the minister must account. Otherwise there is no need for separation of power and checks and balance.

Are we implying there can be no questions asked on mala file, on discrimination, on potential corruption and abuse of power? Are ministers demigods?

Apapunboleh: Umno will interpret the constitution in anyway as long as it serves its own agenda. How can one's right under the constitution be considered a privilege?

Abasir: "The minister also noted that Malaysiakini tended to highlight sensitive news through its website."

And in Umno's ‘Ketuanan Bolehland', only Utusan has the exclusive right to do that regardless of the number of times it gets sued and is found guilty of defamation.

Headhunter: Malaysiakini wouldn't get their publishing permit for sure. It has been a pain on the government and no way will the BN give Malaysiakini a bigger voice to hound it.

A major victory for press freedom, says Malaysiakini

Tehachapi: For the sake of national progress and prosperity for the future generations, the government should have a more enlightened approach in the dissemination of knowledge and information.

Newspapers play a very important role in keeping people informed. It is not just about politics, but global affairs, industry trends, new discoveries and inspiring stories around the world.

While harsh censorship and banning dissemination of sharp criticisms could serve to erode the reputation of the government of the day, they are essential safety valves to prevent public disaffection from boiling over. Such criticisms serve as warning signs and point to serious weaknesses that need immediate attention.

A smart government is never concerned with the ferocity of public criticisms, but welcome them as feedbacks and opportunities to engage with the public. By forcibly silencing these critics, the government is in fact depriving itself an avenue to better understand and respond to the public.

Mohican: The problem is with PM Najib Razak and Home Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. They should be sent to finishing school to teach them the fine art of a free and unrestricted press which is the basic pillar of a free and democratic country.

This, they don't understand but they go around preaching democracy to others. No wonder the accusation that Najib is a false democrat.

Kim Quek: While congratulating Malaysiakini and its legal team for this success in championing press freedom (albeit perhaps temporary), we cannot help but feel relief for the Malaysian judiciary with this appellate court decision - after the ‘Allah' judgment fiasco in the same court - that there are still some judges at the higher echelon who would rule strictly according to the federal constitution.

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