By LIM MUN FAH Translated by SOONG PHUI JEE Sin Chew Daily

The United Nation General Assembly declared May 3 as the World Press Freedom Day in 1991 to raise awareness of the importance of freedom of the press and remind governments of their duty to respect and uphold the right of freedom of expression.

On this day over the past 19 years, the world's members of the media had reaffirmed the basic principles of the freedom of the press, expressed their determination in defending the freedom of the press, and even paid the highest respect and remembrance to those who have lost their lives in harness.

In Malaysia, we must use the opportunity to reflect and repeatedly ask ourselves: Do we enjoy the freedom of press?

Unfortunately, pressmen were violently treated during the recent Bersih 3.0 rally. Some of them were assaulted and injured, some of them had their cameras snatched and some of them had their photos deleted. That day is undoubtedly the darkest and ugliest day in the media history of Malaysia!

Unfortunately, such an incident infringing the freedom of the press took place less than a month after the Printing Presses and Publications (Amendment) Bill 2012 was passed in the Dewan Rakyat!

Unfortunately, the incident showing our backsliding freedom of the press happened less than three months after Malaysia was reported to have moved up to the 122nd place from the 144th place in the Press Freedom Index 2011/2012 compiled by Reporters Without Borders (RSF).

Unfortunately, the RSF pointed out in the report that although there is an improvement to the freedom of the press in Malaysia, they are still not optimistic about it. Sadly, the "prophecy" has actually come true!

The freedom of the press is one of the criteria to test democratic politics. As members of the media, we have to admit that the freedom of the press that we are having in Malaysia today is still having many serious deficiencies. There are sill various kinds of laws to suppress the freedom of expression. As a result, the media have been struggling in playing the sacred role of the Fourth Estate to supervise the government, push reforms and promote social progress.

Although the freedom of the press in Malaysia has been slightly opened and improved, the openness is limited while the improvement is slow. It is because, there are still many so-called taboos that must not be touched, and many so-called sensitive boundaries that must not be crossed over. The Printing Presses and Publications (Amendment) Bill 2012 still retains the provision stating that "a person found to have maliciously published any false news shall be guilty of an offence punishable for jail of three years and/or fine of RM20,000 maximum."

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World Press Freedom Day

Today, Pakistani journalists enjoy a lot more freedom to report and say what was unthinkable for them in the past. But this freedom comes with perils.

Pakistani journalists have every reason to celebrate the World Press Freedom Day on Thursday, the May 3rd. They have come a long way from the 1980s' authoritarian era of the Islamic military dictator General Zia-ul-Haq. Today, the Pakistani media enjoys a great amount of freedom to criticize governments, politicians, the country's powerful military and its ubiquitous intelligence agencies including the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). A decade ago, all this was unimaginable.

But this freedom has a price. The Islamic Republic of Pakistan has become freer yet more insecure for journalists.

A recent UNESCO report ranks Pakistan "the second most dangerous country for journalists the world over" after Mexico. According to the South Asian Free Media Association (SAFMA), 17 journalists were killed in the whole of South Asia in 2011, out of which 12 were killed in Pakistan.

Nasir Tufail, a Karachi-based journalist, who works for Geo TV, told DW that the Pakistani media was "definitely freer than before," though "not absolutely free."

Freedom to die

Journalists are threatened by both militants and Pakistani security officials

Tufail said the most perilous issue for the Pakistani journalists was to report on issues regarding terrorism and Islamism, and the journalists who were working on these issues had to be very cautious.

Imtiaz Alam, Secretary General of SAFMA, also said both state and non-state elements were against press freedom in Pakistan.

"So many journalists in Pakistan have been killed yet nobody has ever been brought to justice for these murders. The recommendations of the judicial commission investigating Saleem Shahzad's murder (allegedly killed by the ISI) have never been implemented," said Alam.

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Freedom means insecurity for Pakistani journalists

Freedom House, the New York -based watchdog on political and press freedoms, issued a report that ranks 197 countries according to their relative freedom, based on legal, political, and economic factors. Following the Arab uprisings, there has been significant improvement in the traditionally repressive Middle East region, and some sharp deterioration in the Americas. But social media and ...

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Five things to know about Freedom House's latest global rankings

GENEVA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

The Internet Society today joined global celebrations around World Press Freedom Day, which focuses on the fundamental principles of press freedom. The Internet Society is strongly supportive of press freedom, fully recognizing that an open, global, and decentralized Internet is a pillar to enable all voices to be heard.

Building on the thematic focus of the last International Human Rights Day, which highlighted the transformational role of the Internet and social mediaapplications in giving voice to people around the world, the 2012 theme of the UNESCO hosted World Press Freedom Day is New Voices: Media Freedom Helping to Transform Societies. This theme is particularly timely in the wake of the popular movements in the Middle East and North Africa in 2011, which highlighted the important role of social media in generating awareness of and support for efforts of people from all walks of life seeking to have their voices heard. The Internet was a powerful amplifier for these voices.

The Internet Society strongly believes that the Internet is an essential vehicle for promoting freedom of opinion and expression, including freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive, and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers, as enshrined in Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Earlier this year, Markus Kummer, Vice President for Public Policy at the Internet Society, delivered a statement at the 19th Session of the Human Rights Council in a panel on the right to freedom of expression and the Internet. Kummer emphasized the importance of a multistakeholder dialogue to further this objective.

Kummer remarked, There is no doubt that the unique characteristics of the Internet have empowered individuals to seek, receive, and impart information and opinion in unexpected ways and scale. This success is based on an open and collaborative approach to technology development. The core values of the Internet pioneers were deeply rooted in the belief that the human condition can be enhanced by removing barriers to communication and information.

However, media freedom is fragile. Journalists are being harassed or killed for doing their work, publications are being censored or shut down, and laws are being passed which criminalize free speech. This reality does not change on the Internet. Along with the new communication opportunities offered by the Internet, new challenges have emerged through the use of measures such as content filtering, monitoring, and suspension of Internet access, often without due regard to individuals fundamental rights. Journalists should enjoy the same rights and the same protection whether they are working in online or offline environments.

A free press is essential to ensuring government accountability towards its citizens and to foster vibrant and dynamic societies. The open and global Internet has created a new set of journalistic and communication practices, amplifyingpreviously unheard voices and enabling new forms of democratic participation.

Lynn St. Amour, President and CEO of the Internet Society, commented, We believe an open and decentralized Internet is an essential platform for press freedom and human progress. The Internet Society will continue its work to ensure an open Internet that enables freedom of expression and the free flow of information online.

For more information on the Internet Society and World Press Freedom Day, visit http://www.internetsociety.org/worldpressfreedom.

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Internet Society Underscores Importance of World Press Freedom Day

OTTAWA Freedom of expression in Canada is not as free as it could be, according to journalists who sat on a panel at a World Press Freedom Day luncheon in Ottawa on Thursday.

Costs and delays with the Access to Information process, restrictions on government scientists talking to the media and the reluctance of politicians to engage with journalists were all issues raised on the "Is Freedom of Expression Under Siege?" panel.

Not all of the panellists answered yes, however.

"I think we have to objectively conclude that Canada is home to a free press and, frankly, a poster child to the vast majority of the world," said Yaroslav Baran of Earnscliffe Strategy Group.

Baran was director of communications in Prime Minister Stephen Harper's leadership campaign and was chief of staff to the government house leader.

Joining Baran on the panel were Kathryn O'Hara and Jeff Sallot, both award-winning journalists.

O'Hara, a science journalist, argued that limiting access to federal scientists is dangerous.

"If you don't allow people to understand and get excited about that science, you risk losing it," O'Hara said. "You risk it being pulled back. You risk it being cut back to a degree where it may disappear, bit by bit by bit."

The issue, said Sallot, is symptomatic of the larger problem of "communications management" in government.

The Harper government is "frightening the hell out of people," Sallot said.

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Freedom of expression not so free: journalists

FORT WAYNE, Ind., May 3, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Freedom Energy Holdings, Inc. (FDMF.PK) announced today that Michael W. Goltry, of Parsons & Goltry, Patent and Trademark Attorneys at Law, Phoenix, Arizona (www.patentsavers.com) has filed the Patent Application for the company's proprietary technology SR-139.

Brian Kistler, Chief Executive Officer, Freedom Energy Holdings commented, "It is exciting to announce that from here on out SR-139 will be known as "PATENT PENDING." Having SR-139 now "patent pending," adds a major step in protecting the intellectual property value for our shareholders." For more information please visit: http://patft.uspto.gov.

"I am looking forward to giving further updates in the very near future regarding the other projects we have entered into both internationally and domestically," concluded Kistler.

ABOUT FREEDOM ENERGY HOLDINGS, INC.

Freedom Energy Holdings, Inc. (FDMF.PK) is a publicly traded company that specializes in the identification and development of technologies with commercial applications in the energy industry sector. The company's original primary focus is the commercial development of its proprietary, heavy oil technology. KC 9000, a breakthrough technology, provides an effective and cost efficient system to enable heavy oil deposits to flow without heat. Recent research has developed and shown the SR-139 to be effective at breaking down asphalt shingles allowing the extraction and recovery of hydrocarbons.

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTThis press release contains certain "forward-looking" statements, as defined in the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Statements, which are not historical facts, are forward-looking statements. The Company, through its management, makes forward-looking public statements concerning its expected future operations, performance and other developments. Such forward-looking statements are necessarily estimates reflecting the Company's best judgment based upon current information and involve a number of risks and uncertainties, and there can be no factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those estimated by the Company. They include, but are not limited to, the Company's ability to develop operations, the Company's ability to consummate and complete the acquisition, the Company's access to future capital, the successful integration of acquired companies, government regulation, managing and maintaining growth, the effect of adverse publicity, litigation, competition, sales and other factors that may be identified from time to time in the Company's public announcements. Contact: Brian Kistler CEO, 260-490-9990Freedom Energy Holdings, Inc.

Investor Relations Steven Marcus DME Capital LLC 917-648-0663 http://www.freedomenergyinternational.com

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Freedom Energy -SR-139/Hydrocarbon Recovery Process Now Patent Pending

07-12-2008 00:00 *Fan Made video! Akon's Freedom, off the FREEDOM album. The song @ the begining is Beautiful by Akon. The song was featured on CBS' CSI

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Akon "Freedom" 2009 - Video

23-09-2009 11:43 Wham! - Freedom

Original post:

Wham! - Freedom - Video

08-09-2009 10:56

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Braveheart Freedom Short - Video

12-03-2011 12:55 Download mp3 here: SONG FOR FREEDOM IN THE ARAB WORLD (and elsewhere) (scroll down below for lyrics) This song was inspired by the brave people of Tunisia, Egypt, Syria, Libya & Bahrain amongst other countries, demanding their freedom. Having said that, the song really is about freedom in general. If you like the video, please click on the "LIKE" and "SUBSCRIBE" buttons. Thanks! Download "Freedom" on iTunes here: As always, your comments about the song are welcome. But please refrain from posting anything crass or inappropriate. I would appreciate that. Let's keep this positive. Thanks. Please come visit me at ******************************************************** "FREEDOM" Copyright 2011 Michael Heart Music We've been through some hard times Sometimes just barely getting by But Heaven knows how we've tried To keep our hope alive I can feel the winds of change Blowing hard and turning a new page In the story of our lives And we have survived On sheer will and pride CHORUS We want Freedom, Freedom to go out and chase our dreams All we need is our Freedom We don't wanna live under tyranny We just wanna be free Though the road may be rough We can make a stand and show what we're made of Cuz we've really had enough Of promises in vain The time has come for change CHORUS We want Freedom, Freedom to go out and chase our dreams All we need is our Freedom We don't wanna live under tyranny We just wanna be free

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Michael Heart - New Single - "Freedom" - EXCLUSIVE OFFICIAL VIDEO - Video

15-11-2011 16:10 Hope you enjoy the video guys! We actually got 9000 Favourites on the last daily episode! Is it possible to get OVER 9000!? "+ Add To : Favourites" The power is in your hand fellow Craftian! Submit me ideas of things to build! Follow me on Twitter! Then tweet me including the hashtag #MinecraftProject Want the chance to vote on what new videos i make & win prizes! Become a Fan On Facebook! Steam Link:

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Freedom ! - Video

ANDREA VANCE

MICHAEL BEAUMONT/Fairfax NZ

SET FREE: Sean Davison with his dogs Buzz and Kuri.

ASSISTED DEATH: Patricia Davidson, 85, was terminally ill and suffering when she died in 2006.

Breathing in the tang of sea air, Sean Davison tasted freedom for the first time in five months.

For weeks a small, secluded Dunedin bungalow has been the prison where he served home detention for assisting his cancer-ravaged mother to die.

About 9.30am yesterday, he was freed from his electronic bracelet with a pair of scissors.

He took his first steps outside on the beach before running up Mt Cargill with his dog. "It was a tremendous relief. Freedom, fresh air, exercise," he said.

Mr Davison, 50, a microbiologist, was convicted last year for counselling and procuring attempted suicide. After nursing his dying mother Patricia, 85, for three months in 2006, he mixed a potion of crushed morphine tablets to help her slip away.

She asked for his help five weeks into a hunger strike his sister and a neighbour had refused.

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Freedom for son who helped

The Galva Freedom Fest committee is having a More on 34 Sale June 16 in Wiley Park.

Cost for a 10-by-10 space is $15 if reserved by May 30. After May 30, the price is $20.

Freedom Fest will be selling food in the pavilion during the event.

Those interested in setting up a vendor booth for the sales June 15-16 should pick up a vendor form at City Hall or email sarah@rockhahn.com.

For more information, call Sarah Hahn at (309) 299-4574.

Proceeds will be used to help pay for Galvas annual July 4 fireworks display.

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Freedom Fest joins More on 34 sales

WASHINGTON, April 23 (UPI) -- The Presidential Medal of Freedom will be awarded posthumously to Jan Karski, a Polish underground officer during World War II, U.S. President Obama said.

Karski was among the first to provide first-hand accounts of the Holocaust to the world, Obama said when announcing the selection during a speech Monday at the Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington.

The Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor, presented to individuals who made particularly meritorious contributions to the security or national interests of the United States, to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors, the White House said in a release.

During World War II, Karski worked as a courier, entering the Warsaw ghetto and the Nazi Izbica transit camp, where he witnessed atrocities occurring under Nazi occupation, the White House said. Karski later traveled to London to meet with the Polish government-in-exile and British officials. He eventually went to the United States and met with President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Karski published "Story of a Secret State," earned a doctorate at Georgetown University and became a professor at Georgetown's School of Foreign Service. Born in 1914, Karski became a U.S. citizen in 1954 and died in 2000.

Other Medal of Freedom recipients will be announced during the coming weeks. The awards will be presented at a White House ceremony later in the spring.

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Polish resistance leader to get Medal of Freedom

SUBANG JAYA: Amendments to the Universities and University Colleges (UUCA) Bill 2012 allowing students to hold posts in both political and student bodies are not the reason why public universities have more autonomy

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More freedom for varsities

SHIPPENSBURG, Pa., April 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- FREEDOM FIGHTER, the award-winning human rights documentary, debuts on DVD April 24th from Destiny Image Films. Directed by Chris Atkins, this powerful film documents the work of Majed El Shafie as he travels to Afghanistan and Pakistan seeking out those persecuted for their religious beliefs, and challenging their governments to change.

FREEDOM FIGHTER documents one such trip to Pakistan, where Majed meets 4-year-old Neha. Raped at the age of 2 in an attempt to force her family to convert from Christianity to Islam, Neha and her family must live in hiding as extremists hunt them. The film follows Majed as he desperately works to get Neha and her family out of Pakistan. The film also explores persecution in Iraq, China and Egypt. Interviews with victims, activists and politicians help to tell Majed's story as well as the larger story of persecution taking place around the world.

Born in Egypt, Majed was arrested, tortured and sentenced to die after converting from Islam to Christianity. Majed managed to escape to Israel, before eventually settling in Canada where he founded One Free World International, an international human rights organization that focuses on the rights of religious minorities around the world and promotes tolerance, understanding and respect for diverse religious beliefs. The organization promotes awareness of human rights abuses and comes to the aid of those who are suffering because of their religious beliefs or expression.

In November, Majed testified before the U.S. House of Representatives' Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, and Human Rights, and in March he testified before the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, co-chaired by Congressman Wolf and Congressman McGovern. Last week, Majed returned to D.C. to lead the very first Canadian delegation to visit the United States for the sole purpose of discussing freedom of religion and the rights of minorities around the world. With several Members of Canadian Parliament and Senate as observers, the delegation met with members of the U.S. Congress and Senate and other officials to discuss the American and Canadian missions to Afghanistan and Iraq, relations with Egypt and Pakistan in light of the so-called "Arab Spring" and the ensuing threats to the state of Israel.

For FREEDOM FIGHTER press material: http://DestinyImageFilms.com/FreedomFighter

Image: http://www.ereleases.com/pic/2012-Freedom-Fighter.jpg

To learn more about One Free World International: http://OneFreeWorldInternational.org

For interviews: Brian Mayes, brian@nashvillepublicity.com, 615-771-2040

DVD UPC Code: 793573091895 DVD SRP: $19.99

This press release was issued through eReleases(R). For more information, visit eReleases Press Release Distribution at http://www.ereleases.com.

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Destiny Image Films Announces the DVD Release of Award-Winning Documentary 'Freedom Fighter'

Nearly 650 nominations were submitted for the 6th annual Voices of Inspiration Awards for Teaching Excellence, sponsored by Freedom Credit Union and Montgomery County Intermediate Unit. The Voices of Inspiration program honors exceptional educators in Montgomery County who show an extraordinary dedication to young people, while exhibiting the qualities that represent a truly inspirational teacher.

This years nominations came from all 21 Montgomery County school districts, 13 non-public schools, and the MCIU. Montgomery County students, parents, co-workers, administrators, and school employees were able to submit nominations.

Twenty-three finalists one teacher from each of the twenty-one Montgomery County public school districts, one teacher from the Montgomery County Intermediate Unit, and one teacher from a Montgomery County non-public school will receive $100 and be recognized at Freedoms Voices of Inspiration Awards banquet to be held on Wednesday, May 9th at the Philadelphia Marriott West, emceed by Ms. Deanna Durante of NBC 10 Philadelphia. From these twenty-three finalists, three winners (one elementary school, one middle school, and one high school teacher) will be awarded Freedoms Voices of Inspiration Award and given an additional $500.

Additionally, the three schools (one elementary school, one middle school, and one high school) in Montgomery County with the most submitted nominations will win a cash prize for their school to use for any educational purpose. The school with the most nominations will receive $500. The two runners up will each receive $250.

For more information about Voices of Inspiration, visit voicesofinspiration.org.

About Freedom Credit Union

Freedom Credit Union, chartered in 1934, is a community-based, full-service financial institution that offers a banking alternative to consumers. Anyone who lives, works, worships, performs volunteer service, or attends school in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, or Philadelphia Counties is eligible to use its services. Freedom Credit Union has over $500 million in assets and more than 57,000 members, operating branch offices in Abington, Lansdale, Philadelphia and Warminster, Pennsylvania.

About the MCIU

The Montgomery County Intermediate Unit is a regional educational service agency that provides dynamic, visionary leadership, and effective, efficient services for constituent school districts, schools, and students. The MCIU serves 22 public school districts and over 150 nonpublic schools in Montgomery County. Estimated annual revenues are $105 million and the number of regular employees is approximately 500.

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Freedom Credit Union receives nominations for Inspiration award

A new Freedom House report, Countries at the Crossroads 2011, concludes that success in the Arab democratic revolution will require major reforms in government institutions that had been seriously undermined during previous authoritarian regimes.

A range of governments are increasingly restricting media freedom using licensing and regulatory frameworks and receive little criticism or attention for doing so, according to Freedom House's newest report, License to Censor: The Use of Media Regulation to Restrict Press Freedom.

Recent reforms have brought about visible changes in Cuba's economy and public attitudes, according to a survey released by Freedom House today. A majority of Cubans (63 percent) view the reforms favorably, and more Cubans say that it is better to be self-employed than to work for the government.