The Nationalist Party on Monday called on the government to withdraw three bills on media reform and instead publish a white paper indicating how it will ensure media protection.

In a statement, the PN said that the decision by Prime Minister Robert Abela and Justice Minister Jonathan Attard to "withhold" a report by the Committee of Media Experts for more than two and a half months was a clear indication that the government still considered journalists as an enemy. 

The government, it said, was obliged to hold a comprehensive public consultation before proceeding with the legislative process.

The PN said it expected the government and parliament to remain open to public consultation at every stage.

The PN welcomed the proposal that parliament should establish a parliamentary select committee to listen to all those interested in the media.