The government is actually hindering the progress of an information society, according to an IT journalist.

"The government is more of a 'choke-point' more than a gateway," said journalist Amir Khalid, referring to the heavy-handed manner in which the Information Ministry carries out the "censorship" of news.

"An information society cannot exist with censorship," said Amir, who writes for "In.Tech", a popular IT pullout of The Star .

Amir was a guest commentator at one of the three workshops organised in conjunction with "Infosoc Malaysia 2000" to discuss ways in which community-driven projects can address the issue of equitable information and communication technology access.

When asked by malaysiakini on how the press can play an effective role in raising the awareness of the people on various issues given the existence of restrictive laws such as the Printing Presses and Publications Act, Amir said the press should "articulate their opinions as loudly as possible".

"I feel the mainstream media should be less of a supporter and more of a critic (of government policies)," he added.

NGO activist Warner Ong said that the information and communication technology (ICT) development in Malaysia mostly addressed the economic aspects of development. He opined that the issue of ICT development should seen from a wider context.

"What do you mean by (equitable ICT) access? For what purpose?" Ong asked.

Ong said that equitable ITC access would sensitise and give empowerment to the people through knowledge and information.

At present, only 10 percent of Malaysians own a personal computer and 0.28 percent are wired to the Internet. Of those with Internet access, more than 50 percent are located in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor and Penang.

The keynote address is due to be delivered by the Energy, Telecommunications and Multimedia Minister Leo Moggie tomorrow at Crowne Plaza Riverside Hotel in Kuching.

The two-day event is co-organised by Sarawak Information Technology and Resource Council, Mimos and Pikom.