GEORGE TOWN: Greater press freedom will nurture a more open, stable and mature democratic knowledge-based society in the long run.

Supporting the Home Ministry's recent suggestion to waive the annual licensing requirements for newspapers, acting Gerakan president Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon said he hoped this first step would lead to more reforms for openness in the Printing Press and Publications Act and related legislation.

"People are increasingly turning to e-media as an alternative channel for information and views. If the print media is not allowed greater freedom to match the e-media, it will lose its credibility and readership," he said in a statement released on Saturday.

He acknowledged that irresponsible people could take advantage of the new-found freedom in an insensitive and provocative manner, jeopardising the country's multiracial society.

"But I believe that through better education and experience in the democratic process, our people will become increasingly mature and moderate, understanding that democracy also means responsibility," he said.

Koh sees the national leadership under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi advocating and allowing greater openness.

"As a result, even the mainstream print media, especially in the English language, has, in recent months, taken up major and controversial issues in a positive and constructive manner, presenting a greater diversity of views.

"The people have also stayed calm, while political parties have exercised restraint. The transfer of power in all states was peaceful, though not completely smooth."

He said that instead of trying to impose strict control, the government should take positive steps, supplying accurate and reliable information, replying to allegations and engaging the people directly.

"After all, we are, and have to be, the government by the people, for the people. If we believe in truth and integrity, we have nothing to fear from greater transparency."