KEY ISSUES 3. FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION AND RIGHT TO INFORMATION Restrictive laws such as the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984 (PPPA) have curtailed freedom of expression. In line with the changing socio-political landscape, however, the Government has announced that media censorship policies will be reviewed and has pledged to amend the licensing requirement in the PPPA. Reforms in this area should not be restricted to addressing procedural matters in licence renewals; these should extend to lifting restrictions on freedom of expression and a review of other laws such as the Official Secrets Act 1972 and the Sedition Act 1948. This would help ensure that the media can carry out its functions and responsibilities without fear or favour, and to assist in highlighting human rights violations and injustices. In order to ensure transparency, accountability and proper checks and balances, the Commission reiterates its stand that laws affecting the duties of the media must be reviewed and the right to equal access of information must be safeguarded as provided by Article 10 of the Federal Constitution and Article 19 of the UDHR. In order to ensure transparency, accountability and proper checks and balances, the Commission reiterates its stand that laws affecting the duties of the media must be reviewed and the right to equal access of information must be safeguarded as provided by Article 10 of the Federal Constitution and Article 19 of the UDHR. 4. LAW ENFORCEMENT Allegations of police inaction in investigating reports, the use of excessive force during interrogations, and abuse of remand procedures were among the main complaints received during the year. The Commission therefore recommends that closedcircuit television cameras be installed in every interrogation room; that every detainee be examined before and after an interrogation session by a medical doctor; and that every report against police officers be investigated by personnel from Bukit Aman or the state police contingent headquarters to avoid the perception of bias. The Commission reiterates its call for the establishment of an independent body or a monitoring mechanism, such as the Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission, to strengthen public confidence in the operations of the police force. 15