New Light of Myanmar accuses foreign media of distorting information

It also claims that donors feel they are being insulted and people are also disgusted at foreign news media.

Are the people really feeling that?

Why is the Burmese regime harshly attacking foreign media? What do they fear?

The followings reflect the balance of opinions received so far...

The military regime attacks the media because they fear for their future. Their secretiveness only makes them attractive to foreign media. We Burmese living abroad are hungry for news of our country. There is no doubt economic incentive is at work here: people inside Burma can get paid a lot for risking their life to film or take a picture of, for example, the damage done by cyclone or the demonstrations by NLD. This regime is living in the past and there is no way they can stop the foreign media from reporting the truth. What they should do is to accept the truth and deal with the media politely. In this way, perhaps they can improve their image.
Nay Aung, Singapore

SPDC will never admit their wrongdoings and their unacceptable behaviour. People do not trust what the regime says. That is why people listen to the BBC more than SPDC's radio and TV. SPDC's propaganda no longer affects the Burmese but it is now a laughing matter to all of us.
Salai Liandang, USA

Foreign media is undermining the capability of SPDC. Maybe this is the reason why they are too harsh on the media. Look at how close-minded the Burmese military government is, the way they attack foreign media now is very similar to how they did a decade or two ago. Haven't they learned how to deal with foreign media? Their arguments on the New Light of Myanmar are not constructive and sometimes laughable. People of Burma desire for changes on all front but the regime is not susceptible to change. That is the problem.
Tin Win, Canada

If foreign media will not say anything, who will say, then?   Daw Htaw Gyi, Melbourne

No, the issue is that foreign media is TRUTHFUL whereby local (SPDC) media is NOT. Public has lost total trust in local media. SPDC is fearful that foreign media, if allowed, might expose ALL their inability to cope up Nargis crisis. Public very well know, let alone Nargis, they cannot even manage their own economy- in complete shambles. The more their handling of Nargis crisis is exposed by foreign media, the more likely public anger will lash out on them; and public will surely go after SPDC throats. That main "FEAR" of public anger 'DRIVE SPDC TO MOVE TO PYINMANA' - NO DOUBT ABOUT IT!
Aung Myint Oo, Singapore

The Burmese regime fears that the foreign media would "corrupt" the minds of its citizens hence revolting against it. Truly, all the government is interested in is to keep its power in place no matter at what the cost is. Just think, where are they getting the "yes' votes on the new referendum? Dead civilians from the Delta regions?
M, USA

Burmese government attacks foreign media because they do not want to accept the truth. They are afraid of people protest. However, it is also true that donors should not throw things from vehicles (which are shown in some of foreign media). Victims are also human beings and we should donate them in respect. When Myanmar regime media mix these two facts together, people in Myanmar feels that foreign news media are destroying the image of Myanmar.
Myanmar

What they should do is to accept the truth and deal with the media politely   Nay Aung, Singapore

What image? We, Burmese, have long lost our dignity, our national pride and prestige because of military government. We are not even treated as "human" or worthy of being a human by SPDC, looking at the way they handle Nargis. So most of us will not understand what they are complaining about! Alternatively, are they afraid that people and the world will find out the truth!
Si Thu, Singapore

The Burmese regime never wants to reveal the truth. When foreign media reveals the truth about Burma, it hurts General Than Shwe. It reveals how Than Shwe runs the country. Even if Than Shwe is using the Burmese media to cover up and attacks foreign media, it is just like covering the dead elephant with goatskin.
Zam Mang, USA

It has been a long story. Not only for this Nargis issue. Everything! It is obvious that SPDC/late BSPP tarnished the image of our country and own people for many years. They should be self-critical. If foreign media will not say anything, who will say, then? SPDC is self-important, self-centred and lack of insight. They have to thank to those who criticize them for their good future. Only when they are given feedback (positive or negative) they may be enlightened.
Daw Htaw Gyi Melbourne

Their arguments on the New Light of Myanmar are not constructive and sometimes laughable.   Tin Win, Canada

This is very simple to me. Since the military government stepped on the throne. Have you ever thought, "Who can speak up the truth freely / openly in the public? There is NO ONE, even the internal media have no chance and they are going under their way of guidance. Therefore, the outside media is the ONE / is playing the main role to reach the current affairs / news to everyone. Military government is thinking such as "As long as nobody knows the truths, they will be long lasting". I strongly urge to all media to keep on explore more and more effective way to reflect / to highlight the brutal military government's action within the media limit.
Tango Tin, Singapore

The reason the military government is afraid of the foreign media is the fact that the truth of human atrocities and the inhumane treatment of the Burmese people will come out in the open for all to see. The military government is cruel and does not care how they treat the people as long as their agenda moves forward regardless of how many people have to die. They have nothing under control where the cyclone victims are concerned, they are sending the hungry, starving, sick people back to their non-existing homes.
Ni Ni Swe, USA

The shooting of monks in September of last year has already tarnished the image of Burma. What can be more tarnishing than that? Now monks are in forefront of helping victims of cyclone. Rather than yapping about the image, the regime should shut their mouth and spend their time on helping people.
Me Me, Thailand