Malaysian House passes bill easing controls over print media
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Kuala Lumpur - The Malaysian House of Representatives onFriday passed a bill to ease government control over the print mediaas part of political reforms initiated by Prime Minister Najib Razak,a government spokesman said.
The legislation would moderate the home minister's power to grantor refuse publishing permits to newspapers, magazines and otherpublications. It was passed before dawn during an overnight session.
Publications would still need permits from the home minister, whomay decline them if the publications represent a risk of socialunrest or to national security, but media outlets would no longerhave to apply for a new one every year, said Tengku Sarifuddin,Najib's press secretary.
The bill also would allow a court to review and amend theminister's licensing decisions.
Critics in and outside Malaysia of the press law now in effectdescribed it as curtailing press freedom and freedom of speech. Theysaid the media have practised self-censorship to ensure the approvalof their licenses each year.
The bill now goes to the Senate, where it was expected to passbecause the chamber is dominated by ruling party members. It mustalso be signed by the king to become law.//DPA
