The Kuala Lumpur-based Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ) will host an evening of activities in its office on Oct 18 in conjunction with Media Democracy Day.

The centre welcomes the public to join the celebration and air their views in various forms on thise international day of action.

"Those attending can immortalise their opinions by putting them up on our media democracy wall - a piece of cloth - and we will compile the opinions and publish them in our monthly newsletter," said CIJ director Sonia Randhawa.

Those present will also be able to participate in a live radio broadcast from a studio at the centre, giving them a chance to have their say on issues of media freedom, freedom of expression and freedom of information .

"Contents of the broadcast will be burnt into a compact disk," she added.

Current laws in Malaysia such as the Internal Security Act 1960, Official Secrets Act 1972, Sedition act 1949, Defamation Act 1957 and Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984 restrict media freedom.

Creative evening

A briefing on current media related issues such as the media council , the Sedition Act and 'creative commons' - an alternative to copyright, will be conducted on a day which also marks the birth of media giants British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC).

"Experienced journalist from CIJ will conduct the briefings," said Sonia.

The event will kick off at 5.30 pm with video screenings of thought provoking short films by local film-makers such as Amir Muhammad and Sam Hui while Danny Lim will be premiering his new production.

Another interesting item lined up for the evening is a letter writing campaign targeting a selected member of parliament (MP) who will be asked for his views on "how the country is being run" and on media related matters.

Sonia said a 'lucky' MP has already been chosen for letters to be sent to and thereafter another parliamentarian will be chosen each month to air those views on CIJ's soon-to-be launched newsletter.

Media Democracy Day, which originated in Canada in 1996, promotes a mass media system that informs and empowers all members of society while connecting the critical and creative media with active social movements and creating a coherent message for public attention and action.

Those who require further information can contact CIJ at telephone number 03 4023 0772.