Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak is going back on his word of democratic reforms following the suspension of news weekly The Heat, said opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim.
"This shows the level of intolerance to dissent and criticism.
"It is contrary to all the promises by the prime minister and home minister to allow for more democratic space," he told journalists after attending a case at the Court of Appeal this morning.
Describing The Heat's suspension as a form of "harassment and repression", Anwar (right) said the matter will be raised at tomorrow's Pakatan Rakyat council meeting.
"This is a disturbing trend and we strongly protest the Home Ministry's action," he added.
"This shows the level of intolerance to dissent and criticism.
"It is contrary to all the promises by the prime minister and home minister to allow for more democratic space," he told journalists after attending a case at the Court of Appeal this morning.Describing The Heat's suspension as a form of "harassment and repression", Anwar (right) said the matter will be raised at tomorrow's Pakatan Rakyat council meeting.
"This is a disturbing trend and we strongly protest the Home Ministry's action," he added.
Yesterday, it was reported that the Home Ministry had suspendedThe Heat indefinitely.
No reason was stated for the suspension but it was believed to be over a November article about Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak and his wife Rosmah Mansor.
The article in question was a front page report titled ‘All eyes on big-spending PM Najib', questioning the spending traits of the prime minister and his wife Rosmah Mansor.
Last week, The Heat received ashow-cause letter from the ministry, but the letter did not name the exact article that was offensive.
The news weekly had up to Dec 24 to respond but was suddenly suspended before the reply.
The Heat had released a statement yesterday through its sister media company The Ant Daily.
"The Heat has ceased publication in compliance with a suspension order served by the Home Ministry. The news weekly will not be published on Dec 21 as scheduled," the statement read.
No reason was stated for the suspension but it was believed to be over a November article about Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak and his wife Rosmah Mansor.
The article in question was a front page report titled ‘All eyes on big-spending PM Najib', questioning the spending traits of the prime minister and his wife Rosmah Mansor.Last week, The Heat received ashow-cause letter from the ministry, but the letter did not name the exact article that was offensive.
The news weekly had up to Dec 24 to respond but was suddenly suspended before the reply.
The Heat had released a statement yesterday through its sister media company The Ant Daily.
"The Heat has ceased publication in compliance with a suspension order served by the Home Ministry. The news weekly will not be published on Dec 21 as scheduled," the statement read.
Meanwhile, NGO Jingga 13 described the suspension as an attempt by Home Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi to intimidate the media fraternity.
It added that the Home Ministry’s action is anti-democratic and detrimental to the country’s press freedom.
“The Home Ministry should not be influenced or control by any parties including the prime minister, his wife and the home minister, but should act professionally.
“The Heat has not taken any action or made any statements that can be perceived as threatening national security,” it said.
It added that the Home Ministry’s action is anti-democratic and detrimental to the country’s press freedom.
“The Home Ministry should not be influenced or control by any parties including the prime minister, his wife and the home minister, but should act professionally.
“The Heat has not taken any action or made any statements that can be perceived as threatening national security,” it said.
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