PKR paper Keadilan a big hit

Ignoring warnings from the Home Ministry, PKR hit the streets early this morning to distribute its new party organ - Keadilan.

Since the publishing permit of the previous party organ Suara Keadilan had been suspended by the Home Ministry, the party has produced a non-serial publication which does not require a permit.

The new organ, published by the party's Youth wing, was distributed free to the public at Masjid Jamek LRT station this morning by four PKR Youth leaders.

All 400 copies were given out in just 20 minutes.

A police patrol car and two uniformed police personnel were sent to monitor the situation but did not stop the distribution.

The four Youth leaders were national publicity secretary Lee Khai Loon, exco member Ramlan Roes, Kuala Lumpur chief Md Zaman Md Tasi and Batu chief Rozan Azen.

They shouted "Free Suara Keadilan" and "Free journalists" to mark the end of this morning's activity.

Suara Keadilan editor Dzulkarnain Taib was also present to take photographs of the event.

'Confiscation possible'

According to Lee, the papers will be distributed to vendors nationwide today.

"We do not rule out the possibility that the Home Ministry will confiscate copies of Keadilan or try to intimidate the vendors," said Lee.

"The party's marketing department will monitor closely and collect feedback from the vendors."

The PKR mouthpiece ran into problems with its most recent issue, in which the main article alleged that the Federal Land Development Authority is bankrupt. The claim has been denied.

PKR as the publisher had also failed to respond to three show-cause letters issued by the ministry earlier this year.

Although it eventually submitted an explanation, the ministry has suspended the publication, using provisions of the Printing Presses and Publications Act.

courtesy of Malaysiakini