Nazir Razak condemns The Edge suspension, says take legal action if 1MDB reports wrong

Datuk Seri Nazir Razak takes to Instagram to condemn the suspension of two publications belonging to The Edge. – Screenshot of Nazir's posting.

‎Datuk Seri Nazir Razak, the brother of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, took to his Instagram account today to condemn the suspension of The Edge Weekly and The Edge Financial Daily.

Calling the publications a pillar of the business community, Nazir said The Edge had a big role in keeping the public "informed, honest and competitive".

"The Edge is a pillar of our business community – big role in keeping us informed, honest & competitive," he said in the posting.

"I condemn the suspension & my thoughts go to all affected staff."

Nazir, who is CIMB group chairman, posted the message with a picture of The Edge logo.

The Home Ministry today suspended the publishing permit of The Edge Weekly and The Edge Financial Daily for three months beginning July 27.

A letter from the ministry stated that the publications' coverage of 1MDB was "prejudicial or likely to be prejudicial to public order, security or likely to alarm public opinion or is likely to be prejudicial to public and national interest".

Earlier this month, The Edge received a show-cause letter in which the ministry gave them seven days to explain why action should not be taken under the Printing Presses and Publication Act 1984.

The Edge was accused of publishing articles on the controversial state fund which were said to have created confusion and doubt about the Malaysian government and financial institutions.

Najib has also been implicated in the scandal, with money from 1MDB-linked entities allegedly flowing into his personal accounts. He has not addressed this claim directly but only denied taking funds for "personal gain".

Nazir said today that authorities should have taken legal action against The Edge if there were errors in their reports instead of the suspension.

"Recent 1MDB coverage seems outstanding but if there were flaws then correct them or take legal recourse," he said.

Nazir has spoken previously about 1MDB, calling for greater accountability from its top executives and urging Putrajaya to hasten an audit of the debt-ridden firm's 2015 accounts.

‎Nazir's post attracted many comments including from Air Asia Group CEO Tan Sri Tony Fernandes, who said he was "shocked" over the suspension.

"Freedom of the press is the pillar of democracy. There are other recourse if reporting is wrong. Sad day. I'm in shock," Fernandes said.

1MDB, which is being investigated for alleged graft, is also owned by the Finance Ministry, and Najib is finance minister.

- TMI