The Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ) is alarmed with the latest suspensions of a newspaper and its editor - this time, it is the "Weekend Mail", the Sunday edition of the "Malay Mail", for its reports about sex.
According to news reports on 8 November 2006, the Internal Security Ministry said the suspension was justified as the subject is "contrary to Eastern values practised by Malaysians". The Ministry also reportedly found the articles and photographs offensive.
The November 4-5 edition of the "Weekend Mail" had articles on what Malaysians think about sex, based on an interview with more than 100 people. Soon after, government ministers, including Deputy Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak, criticised the newspaper. UMNO, the ruling political party in the national coalition, condemned the articles during its Federal Territory Convention on 7 November.
The New Straits Times Press, the parent company of the "Malay Mail", issued a front-page apology on the newspaper on 6 November.
Four newspapers have been suspended so far this year under the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1987 (PPPA). In February, the government suspended "Berita Petang", "Guang Ming Daily" and "Sarawak Tribune" for publishing issues deemed "offensive".
The latest action against the press testifies to the further decline of democratic practices, among which is a press that should be self-regulated and free from government intervention. Suspending newspapers impinges on Article 10 of the Constitution, which guarantees citizens' right to freedom of speech and expression.
CIJ calls on the government to restore press independence by revoking the suspension order and repealing the licensing provision in the PPPA. CIJ also calls for the setting up of a Parliamentary Select Committee on Media Freedom to allow public participation in matters pertaining to the media, in line with the spirit of participatory governance as stipulated by democratic principles.
The Centre for Independent Journalism, Malaysia (CIJ) is a media organisation that aims to improve current Malaysian journalism practice and independence through advocacy, research and analysis, training and practical work. Started in 2001, CIJ has initiated various projects in developing grassroots communications skills through training, infrastructural support and direct action.
