In view of Malaysia’s drop of 10 places to 141 in the 2010 World Press Freedom Index, Wanita Gerakan has called on the government to urgently consider the setting up of a consultative committee to discuss issue of press freedom and media law reforms.

Wanita Gerakan secretary-general Jayanthi Devi Balaguru said the panel should involve participation from representatives from the mass media, stakeholders and other interested groups.

Having such a panel would also reduce accusations whenever the government was trying to check on infringements of media freedom by journalists, newspapers, printed publications or online portals, she said.

“By all means the government has the right to take action against those who infringed the laws. But it has to be more arbitrarily before making the decision to take action,” said Jayanthi in a statement.

She said freedom of press should come with responsibility but the method of control was equally important. Freedom and responsibility complement one another.

“It is better to engage and manage rather than enforce restrictions, especially more so when they come in the form of laws.”

Jayanthi, who is also Gerakan’s deputy head of human rights and law bureau, said there should not be hindrances to growth of democratic ideals and freedom of ideas and information was necessary for our society to progress.

“Freedom of information is also in line with the MSC Malaysia 10 Point Bill of Guarantees. Point 7 of the Bill provides that the Malaysian government promises to ensure no internet censorship. Therefore it is vital that this promise is fulfilled.”