SUARAM, a FORUM-ASIA member in Malaysia, has expressed alarm at the Malaysian government’s refusal to renew the publication permit of Tamil-language paper Makkal Osai, saying the decision was highly arbitrary and in disregard of press freedom.

SUARAM, a FORUM-ASIA member in Malaysia, is alarmed by the Home Ministry's refusal to renew the publication permit of Tamil-language paper Makkal Osai. We strongly condemn the Malaysian government's disregard for press freedom, especially given the highly arbitrary nature of its decision to deny the paper its publication permit.

It was reported that the Home Ministry issued a letter to the paper, stating that its application “will not be considered”, without stating any reason for its decision. The arbitrariness of the decision is in stark contradiction with the principle of transparency and cannot be accepted.

Please go to the SUARAM website to view the full report.