Petition backs calls to scrap media bill

Petition backs calls to scrap media bill

By Hlaing Kyaw Soe   |   Sunday, 11 August 2013

The Mandalay branch of the Myanmar Journalist Network is collecting signatures until August 12 for a petition calling on MPs to scrap a print media law being considered by the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw.

A man signs a petition in Mandalay against a print media law being debated in parliament. (Hlaing Kyaw Soe/The Myanmar Times)

The journalists said they launched the campaign on August 6 because they are concerned that the current version of the law does not ensure press freedom.

The Printing and Publishing Enterprise Bill was passed by the Pyithu Hluttaw on July 4 and will soon be debated in the Amyotha Hluttaw.

The Interim Press Council has accused the Ministry of Information of ignoring its concerns about the draft and described it as a backward step for the media industry.

The press council has drafted its own print media law and the petition calls on the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw to throw out the ministry's version and instead consider the draft written by the council.

More than 1100 signatures had been collected as of August 8.

Translated by Zar Zar Soe

Source: http://www.news.myanmaronlinecentre.com/2013/08/13/petition-backs-calls-to-scrap-media-bill/