Myanmar journalists just getting used to their new era of freedom howled when the government announced plans for a media law that could lock many old restrictions back into place. Then, in the latest of many moves that never would have happened under the country's old military rulers, the government backed off.
A bill restricting publishers, drawn up by the Ministry of Information without input from press groups, might yet become law. But journalists' complaints helped scuttle plans to pass the legislation as soon as this week.
Now the changes won't be considered until June at the earliest, and only after government officials consult with members of the media. The information minister, who had said ''poisonous'' publications had made new rules necessary, is to discuss the proposal with journalists Saturday.
''I think the minister finally understands that the media industry is totally against the draft,'' said Zaw Thet Htwe, the editor of a health journal and a former political prisoner. ''We cannot predict the outcome of our meeting on Saturday but we are happy that the minister listens to the views.''
A new law could have had a chilling effect on the media days before Myanmar is to allow private daily newspapers to operate for the first time since 1964. Other private publications such as weeklies are already allowed, but the April 1 return of private dailies has been hailed as another step toward greater press freedom and democratic change.
The publishing bill had been scheduled to be discussed this week in Parliament, which will adjourn Friday and reconvene in June. Zaw Thet Htwe said he learned Monday that the bill is now off the agenda.
Kyaw Min Swe, editor-in-chief of the private weekly The Voice, said the speaker of Parliament's lower house did not allow debate on the legislation ''because many media organisations have sent letters of criticism'' to parliamentary officials. Legislators were in session until Monday evening and were not immediately available.
The proposed law would replace even tougher rules established in 1962 by the government of the late dictator Ne Win. The existing law allows the government to revoke licences at any time and carries a maximum seven-year sentence for failing to register, though the current government has not used those provisions.