http://dapmalaysia.org  

We propose that Dato' Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi create a breath of fresh air for the media so that Malaysians can enjoy more enlightened and balanced news and views   Press Statement by Dr Tan Seng Giaw (Kuala Lumpur, Tuesday):  Dato' Seri Abdullah insists that Malaysia practises parliamentary democracy. One of the bases of this system is freedom of the media (not the freedom to harm the society). Just as Dato' Seri Dr Mahathir, Pak Lah believes that international media can be very biased. Then, he should look into the state of our media.  We would like the world media to be open and just. Whether it is CNN, BBC, the New York Times, The Washington Post, The Sydney Morning Herald, The Times or the Guardian, UK, Le Figaro and so forth, we expect them to be fair and just. Similarly, we hope Malaysian media move towards this direction.  What does Pak Lah think of the Malaysian media? Does he feel that they are prejudiced or jaundiced? As the Home Minister, his view on the desire of Chin Peng, the former Secretary-General of the Communist Party of Malaya (CPM) to return home from southern Thailand has been headlined. For one reason or another, the Government refuses Chin Peng's request. On 7 October, 2003, the Deputy Prime Minister said that Chin Peng had links with terrorist organizations in the country and that there was nothing more to say on the matter.  Those who want to know alternative views have to access the Internet. For example, some people such as Lim Kit Siang think that the Government should consider letting him come home. The Parit Sulong MP Ruhanie quoted Malaysiakini on Kit Siang's view.  Yesterday, there was a heated debate on the issue in Parliament. But, today some newspapers carry a small column on the issue and some don't, let alone on meaningful debate. Surely, the public would like to know whether Chin Peng is still linked to terrorist organizations. Why has the Government allowed some ex-CPM leaders such as Abdullah Ahmad to return but not the others? Why was the late Ahmad Zaidi Addruse, who was a Communist underground, permitted to become a Sarawak minister and governor? Would Chin Peng's return evoke uncontrollable emotions among victims of CPM? Has Chin Peng any contribution against the Japanese in the Second World War and the withdrawal of the British from Malaya in 1957?  Malaysians would like balanced views on all aspects including politics, economy, trade, finance, education, religions and cultures. Malaysian press should be fair even if international may not be.  There have always been glowing reports on many things in Malaysia. The economy is reported as doing better than what it actually is. Putrajaya is simply the best administrative capital. True, we need such a centre. But, the expenditure of various projects in the centre requires enquiry. Are they value for money?  Those who have opportunities seek alternative views and news. As the Government spends over 20% of the national budget on education, more Malaysians will be educated. As more people are educated, they will hunger for balanced views and news. The number of Internet users will increase steadily.  Dato' Seri Abdullah should consider giving the media a breath of fresh air. If he can truly do this, then the openness would require responsibility and ethics.   (28/10/2003) *  Dr Tan Seng Giaw, DAP National Vice Chairman & MP for Kepong