WE are set to celebrate Merdeka tomorrow. But on Tuesday, one of the headlines in a local newspaper showed that the threat to the loss of freedom continues to exist in the country.

The news report said the government was mulling a move to regulate news portals, where those with a high number of visitors would be required to register with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).

Minister Salleh Said Keruak said all stakeholders would be engaged before a decision was made and assured the public that the move was not to restrict media freedom but to develop the media industry further.

Salleh should know that no one would buy his assurance. And the government must be told, yet again, that there is no freedom without the freedom of the press.

But most importantly, it is audacious to start a national conversation that could place the country among the likes China, Russia and North Korea, when its people are preparing to ring in their independence from colonial powers.

Contemporary Turkish playwright, novellist and thinker Mehmet Murat ildan said: “Unless you have a free press in your country, there is no need to buy newspapers and there is no need to watch the news because there is no need to listen to the lies! And you already have one real information: You are being deceived by the people you are governed! This is an enough information for you!”

Over the last one year, we have seen a rise in corruption, crime, living expenses and prices of essential goods. We have read about deaths due to bullying in schools, hate crimes against the LGBT community, death in custody, rising racial and religious tension in the country and targeted persecution against politicians and human rights workers.

Merdeka Day is when we celebrate a democratic society with the right to freedom of speech, expression, religion, life and civil liberties.

Looking back, I can only see a shrinking democratic space in the country where, a small group of ruling elite continues to dictate how we should think, live and love.

It makes me feel as if we are temporarily back under the thumb of our colonial oppressors. But I also recall moments when we got together as Malaysians to fight oppression and injustice.

We could all therefore, continue to celebrate the fight for our freedom.

Selamat menyambut Hari Merdeka.

* Charles Santiago is Klang MP

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.