Newspapers suspended in Malaysia

Industry experts say that this step has been taken to discourage other magazines and newspapers from criticising the Government. This development is not likely to impact advertisers as the two suspended magazines are not supported by advertising.

“It’s political more than anything. It’s a subtle message for other newspapers not to publish anti-Government reports. If this kind of attitude extends to mainstream media then it could impact advertising. Advertisers might be wary of associating with controversial media,” said a media agency head.

However Andreas Vogiatzakis, CEO of Omnicom Media Group in Malaysia thinks that it will not have much impact on advertising.

”Newspapers and media can be (and are more often than not) aligned to political ideologies. So far that has not hindered advertising, and I believe it will not do now, in the same manner that the subtleties of political coverage in each paper does not necessarily affect sale of ads in the paper.” 

In addition to the suspension of newspapers, at least six new media publications including Malaysiakini were also denied media accreditation by governing party UMNO to cover the party's annual general meeting, a five-day event that began on 24th March. No official reasons were given for the party's decision.

A source said that if news websites and resources like Malaysiakini are denied access by the government, then it might become difficult for advertisers to associate themselves with them.

In recent days the question of press freedom, including new media, has come into forefront in Malaysia. In the ongoing UMNO general assembly ministers have raised concerns about the increasing power of new media.

Malaysia is in the midst of political transition with a leadership change, UMNO elections and three by-elections. Najib Razak is due to replace Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi after the party holds its general assembly elections.

The two suspended newspapers are published by parties in the Pakatan Rakyat opposition alliance and include Suara Keadilan, run by opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim's Keadilan party, and Harakah operated by the Islamic party PAS. Last month the government seized tens of thousands of copies of Suara Keadilan and Harakah in a move the opposition said was linked to its battle with the Government for control of a northern state.

Political parties have vowed to defy the suspension. The Home Ministry claims that the newspapers have suspended for content that was “wrong, sensational and sensitive in nature”.