Terrorists are attacking the core values of our society, the latest JMB communique threatening dire consequences if December 16 is not replaced by August 14 as a national day, sky-rocketing prices are still not under control and the monga in the North remains unabated, but scapegoating the press stills seems to be top priority for some in the government.

Rising on a point of order in parliament earlier this week, a member suggested that a new law should be framed to bring newspapers and journalists under speedy trial and provide for summary punishment for "objectionable" reports. It was further alleged that the media conspires to print fake news against popular ruling alliance lawmakers.

This intent to classify the media as lowly criminals liable to be subject to summary trial is a new low for the administration in its vendetta against the press. Worse still, the Speaker, instead of sounding neutral, reportedly suggested that journalists cannot be 'touched' under present law, implying the need for new law and that anyone aggrieved should go to the press council.

The idea clearly is to continue to try to screen officials and lawmakers from public scrutiny. We elect MPs to protect the rights of the people, including the right of freedom of speech and information, not themselves. This kind of self-serving legislation is unworthy of the House.

This tendency on the part of the government to attempt to muzzle criticism leaves the impression that they have something to hide, which is regrettable. If the government arrogates to itself the right to be beyond reproach or criticism -- that would be the beginning of the destruction of democracy.

We would like to caution the government that its performance over the past four years has been dismal and has severely corroded the public trust. It has one year left to regain this trust, and a free media is its only bridge back to the people, the only way to resurrect its tarnished reputation.

Fruitless bashing of the media will only lower the government's image further.