Government must clear the air on CNMG/GIS now!

This online petition is MATT's attempt to keep on the front burner, the issue of the removal of CNMG talk show host Mr Fazeer Mohammed and the very real threat to the freedom of the press which it constituted.

Matt is not satisfied by the PM's explanation and comments on the issue thus far and feels such encroachment on press freedom deserves, at least,

(A) A fuller review of the timing and manner in which Mr. Mohammed was removed and, to look at the larger context,

(B) A review of the handling of CNMG by successive administrations in ways that can and are often perceived as interference in a free and independent media house by whichever party is in power.

When you sign this petition you agree:

1. That the timing and manner of Mr. Mohammed's removal was inappropriate and constituted a real threat to the constitutional guarantee of freedom of the press.

2. That the decision to put Mr. Andy Johnson on the morning show while he is substantive head of Government Information Services (GIS) is more cause for concern as there is an obvious conflict of interest.

3. That the PM's statements on the matter are unsatisfactory given the seriousness of the issue of press freedom.

4. That now is the best time to give vent to issues media workers and citizens have about the proper handling of state-owned media like CNMG and GIS.

5. That MATT or any member of its executive has made no approaches or representations either here or elsewhere to suggest it has a political agenda.

6. That this is a matter of principle and the preservation of our democratic rights and freedoms.