**Updates IFEX alerts of 3 March, 21, 13, 12, 11 and 6 January 2000** (WAN/IFEX) – In a 3 March 2000 letter to Prime Minister Mahatir Mohamad, WAN and the World Editors Forum expressed their serious concern over the publication restrictions imposed on the opposition newspaper “Harakah”. According to reports, on 2 March the Home […]
**Updates IFEX alerts of 3 March, 21, 13, 12, 11 and 6 January 2000**
(WAN/IFEX) – In a 3 March 2000 letter to Prime Minister Mahatir Mohamad, WAN and the World Editors Forum expressed their serious concern over the publication restrictions imposed on the opposition newspaper “Harakah”.
According to reports, on 2 March the Home Ministry renewed “Harakah”‘s publication licence for only two issues a month instead of two a week, as was the case. The newspaper had applied in December 1999 for a renewal of its licence under the Printing Press and Publications Act, which requires newspapers to secure publishing licences annually. The newspaper has been told that the restriction also applies to its Internet edition. “Harakah”, which is published by the Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party, reportedly intends to appeal against the decision.
This is the latest in a number of repressive actions taken against the newspaper during the past three months, including an order restricting sales to party members only, the confiscation of editions from news-stands and the prosecution of “Harakah”‘s editor and printer on sedition charges over an article concerning the trial of jailed ex-Deputy Premier Anwar Ibrahim.
Recommended Action
Send appeals to the prime minister:- respectfully reminding him that the licence restrictions imposed on “Harakah” constitute a clear breach of the right to freedom of expression, which is guaranteed by numerous international conventions
- respectfully calling on him to ensure that “Harakah” is granted a licence to publish two issues a week and that the Printing Press and Publications Act is not used as a mechanism for suppressing critical opinion
Appeals To
His Excellency Dato’ Seri Dr. Mahatir Mohamad
Prime Minister
Jabatan Perdana Menteri
Kuala Lumpur 50502, Malaysia
Fax: +60 3 238 3784
E-mail page: http://www.smpke.jpm.my/fr_fback.htm
Please copy appeals to WAN.
