Chapter 1 - Report of the Education and Public Relations Group • Lack of understanding between the Government and media practitioners, which has made it harder to advocate media freedom and move the country forward to be more respectful of media freedom and to become more democratic; and • The need for an acceptable format in establishing a Media Council in Malaysia. Based on presentations by the panellists and the question-and-answer session, the Forum recommended that: (i) There should be a Press Council that is governed by an Act of Parliament and which is recognised as a statutory body. (ii) The Press Council should regulate and protect journalists; protect the public interest; define freedom of expression; discipline journalists; and provide an avenue for public complaints. (iii) The Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984 (Act 301) should be repealed. (iv) A Freedom of Information Act should be enacted toward fostering administration that is less secretive and more open; and (v) Funds should be channelled to encourage the media community to be more independent. 4. THE HUMAN RIGHTS AWARDS The Human Rights Awards 2012 ceremony was held on 10 December in conjunction with World Human Rights Day. The awards acknowledge and honour individuals and organisations who have contributed much energy and effort to the promotion and protection of human rights. (a) Nominations The Commission received a total of 37 nominations for the three main categories: 42 • The Community Award (Individual), to an individual with a proven track record in promoting and advancing human rights in the community on a non-profit basis; • The Community Award (Organisation), to a non-governmental or community-based organisation with a proven track record in promoting and advancing human rights in the community; and • The Media Award, for work published in Malaysian magazines, newspapers, dramas, news or current affairs programmes, documentaries, or broadcasts on TV or radio over the past two to three years, and particularly but not exclusively, up to 31 August 2012.