Malaysian government bars online paper

Mahathir's government takes another step to regulate the media

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia -- The Malaysian government has banned all press personnel without Information Ministry issued credentials from covering or attending any government functions.

Reports in several Malaysian newspapers have suggested the ban has been directed at the online newspaper Malaysiakini, which frequently carries commentary critical of the government.

However, Deputy Home Minister Chor Chee Heung in a phone conversation with Malaysiakini's operators denied the ministry made any new ruling in regard to the Internet publication.

Malaysian regulations require all publications to hold government licenses issued by the Information Ministry.

Chor also said that under the Printing Presses and Publications Act, Malaysiakini cannot be considered a newspaper as it does not have a publication license.

"I too can start a website and post all kinds of news and then call myself a news media. Anybody can do that. So, if you do not have a publication license, you are not a newspaper," said Chor.

License dispute

Steven Gan, editor of the year-old newspaper said Malaysiakini applied to the Information Ministry in April last year for press credentials but was told that one cannot be granted because the paper did not have a publication license.

The Home Ministry, which issues the license for print media, told Malaysiakini it did not need a publication license, Gans said.

The Southeast Asian Press Alliance (SEAPA), an alliance of press advocacy groups in Thailand, Philippines and Indonesia, called on Mahathir to allow the publication to cover government events without restriction.

"As an Internet site that is exempt from licensing restrictions, Malaysiakini should have full and equal access to news events with other media," it said.

"Malaysiakini and other websites are vital exemptions to these regulations in Malaysia ... The real issue here is press freedom," it said.

Gan, described the Home Ministry's move as the start of attempts to censor the Internet.

"The ban, which seems to be an underhanded way of censorship, will not keep us out or stop us from doing our job."

Malaysia to officially rebut media

SEAPA - Southeast Asian Press Alliance
Malaysiakini.com
Malaysia: Prime Minister's Office

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