Ten parliamentarians from both sides of the political fence have agreed to support the formation of a select committee on media reform during next March's parliamentary session.

The group - which is formally called select committee for communication act - was proposed by press freedom groups Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ) and the Writers Alliance for Media Independence (Wami).

The main aim of the committee is to work towards the relaxing of restrictions under the Printing Presses and Publications Act as well as the Official Secrets Act, the Internal Security Act and Sedition Act.

Yesterday, a Barisan Nasional parliamentarian and his DAP counterpart also agreed to support the committee which aims to liberalise the media.

Hamim Samuri (BN - Ledang) and Teresa Kok (DAP - Seputeh) voiced their support at forumin Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

The two-day forum titled 'Shaping Public Opinion in a Changing Media Environment' commenced on Wednesday and was organised by the Asia Foundation and Asian Institute for Development Communication (Aidcom).

Kok was invited to speak on the topic 'Politicians who are not shy to blog' while Hamim was a discussant.

Multi-party effort

During the session, representatives from Wami and CIJ had asked the duo if they would support the proposal to form the select committee.

"Of course, I would support any initiative that would promote a freer press," replied the DAP MP.

"However, any such effort would require the cooperation of BN MPs as well. It would need to be a multi-party effort," she stressed.

Hamim who agreed, said: "Yes, it's important to get close to the grassroots. I agree with the proposal. I trust that they (CIJ and Wami) are experts in their fields."

Among the parliamentarians who have voiced their support for the committee are Parliamentarian Opposition leader Lim Kit Siang, Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, PAS secretary-general Kamaruddin Jaafar, DAP Women's chief Chong Eng as well as MCA MPs Wong Nai Chee, Loh Seng Kok and Dr Wee Ka Siong.

Meanwhile, Wami chairperson Wong Chin Huat said he hoped more parliamentarians would come forward to support the proposal.

"We want to increase the momentum so that political leaders can feel the heat of public support," he said when met at the sidelines of the forum.