Malaysialiftss Ban On Newspaper (Makkal Osai) For Ethnic Indians After Criticism

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA: Malaysia's government lifted a ban Thursday (24 Apr) on a newspaper catering to ethnic minority Indians, but denied caving in to criticism that it was stifling press freedom.

The Home Ministry told the Tamil-language Makkal Osai, or People's Voice, last week that its operating license had not been renewed. Authorities subsequently said the newspaper flouted media guidelines on how racial issues should be reported.

The newspaper's general manager, S.M. Periasamy, said he received a letter from the ministry Thursday informing him that the ban had been dropped.

No reasons or conditions were given, and the newspaper expects to resume publication Saturday (26 Apr), Periasamy said.

"We will continue as before by giving prominent coverage to Indian-based issues," he said.

Media organizations in Malaysia can operate only with a government license, which needs to be renewed every year. Critics say this often results in self-censorship by editors.

The government's guidelines forbid highlighting issues that could stir racial tensions in the multiethnic nation, comprised of majority Malay Muslims and minority Chinese and Indians.

Home Minister Syed Hamid Albar confirmed he approved a new annual permit for Makkal Osai, saying its editors have assured the government that "they will abide by the guidelines and contribute to our nation-building efforts."

He denied that the government had backtracked because of fierce criticism by opposition leaders and media activists.

"We never act under pressure," Syed Hamid told reporters. "What we act on is in the interest of the country."

Syed Hamid had said last week he was considering doing away with the annual licensing and switching to licenses that only need to be issued once, saying the country needs "press freedom in order for us to have a check and balance in government."

Makkal Osai extensively covered recent opposition rallies, including one by ethnic Indian activists who marshaled some 20,000 Malaysians to protest last November against racial discrimination.

Associated Press writer Julia Zappei