Media statement by Charles Santiago in Klang on Thursday, 15^th September 2011:

Guarantee free speech, introduce Freedom of Information Act & abolish media ownership by political parties as part of greater democracy

"Greater Democracy" is going to be the next buzzword after the Prime Minister announces "reforms" in politics, social and security matters.

Just like the previous buzzwords like NEM, NKRA and such, "Greater Democracy" is going to be nothing more than hot air, a public relations gimmick to win boost his waning popularity caused by his mishandling the Bersih 2.0 rally, his inability to bring down the cost of living, his silence when the international community condemns Malaysia as a country that violates the rights of refugees.

The "Greater Democracy" that is to be announced later this evening will be a short list of inconsequential measures that will give the impression that the Barisan Nasional government has the people¡¯s interest at heart.

If the Prime Minister is serious about the running of the country, then he should amend the Constitution to include a clause or section that says: No law shall be passed abridging the freedom of speech, of expression, or of the press, or the right to assembly and petition the government for redress of grievances.

Furthermore, the Prime Minister in his "Greater Democracy" speech should announce the formulation of the freedom of information act and outline steps to remove media control by political parties or their business affiliates.

The main reform this country should see is in the organisation and function of the press. There should no longer be any political master hovering over media organisations, dictating agenda and chastising investigative journalism. Instead the press should be allowed to function as the Fourth Estate as it was designed so as to ensure true democracy prevails.

Anything short of all this is not a reform.

* Charles Santiago, MP for Klang