CIJ And WAMI Urge Goverment To Consider Appeal By Makkal Osai - Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR, April 17 (Bernama) -- The Centre of Independent Journalism (CIJ) and Writers Alliance for Media Independence (WAMI) have asked the government to consider the appeal by Tamil newspaper "Makkal Osai" whose publication permit was not renewed by the Home Ministry.

CIJ and WAMI want the government to give the paper a second chance.

"We were dismayed with the Home Ministry's decision to reject Makkal Osai's publication permit renewal.

"The ministry's refusal to renew the permit shows no sign of reforming towards greater openness and to be more attentive to the people's voice.

"During the just-concluded general election, Makkal Osai relatively gave more coverage to the opposition and may be this was the reason why the daily was punishment for.

"The paper usually published more pro-government stories before the election but changed its trend...a sign of the strain due to the uncertainty of its permit approval," they said in a statement.

[From http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news.php?id=327506]