COMMENT | The press and the state have always been co-existing in an uneasy relationship since they do not see eye-to-eye on many issues. While journalists want to inform the public about certain controversial policies and laws in greater detail, the government would prefer to keep mum.

It is when the government goes into "silent mode" that the press becomes more restless, agitated, and curious. Something is not right when the powers that be refused to divulge more facts on matters of great public interest.

Ties between the state and the press become more strained as elected politicians take a hostile stand, and each side digs in for a long confrontation. When "war" eventually breaks out, the state whips out its iron fist to suppress the press in typical draconian fashion.

The fact that the press can influence the tide of public opinion is not good news for the state. In most cases...