New publication law need of the hour, says Hamad

Fujairah: Journalists have been urged to make full use of press freedom in the UAE to highlight focal issues concerning the common people.

The call came from His Highness Shaikh Hamad Bin Mohammad Al Sharqi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Fujairah, who was speaking during a Ramadan reception for Fujairah-based journalists at his palace in Madhab here.

The Ruler of Fujairah applauded the recent instructions issued by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

Shaikh Hamad said such a decision was timely "because the press climate was in desperate need of such a move". He added that stopping the jailing of journalists is just a first step and what is now needed is a fundamental change in the publication law.

Shaikh Hamad said: "In truth, I agree with His Highness [Shaikh Mohammad] in that the publication law has become dated... so we have to amend the law to bring it in line with modern times and to reflect UAE's huge progress."

Shaikh Hamad also urged journalists to always tackle issues in an objective and transparent manner without resorting to character assassination.

Criticising tabloid journalism prevalent in the West, Shaikh Hamad said this brand of journalism would be incompatible with the UAE's Arab and Islamic character because it often puts financial profits before moral and professional principles.