Newspaper rapped for spiking caning article

Kuala Lumpur:  Malaysia's largest English-language newspaper has spiked a prominent commentator's column on the caning of three Muslim women, weeks after it got into trouble with the government over a similar article by one of its editors.

Social activist Marina Mahathir said The Star refused to publish her weekly column on Wednesday because of concerns that such sensitive articles could jeopardise its printing permit. All publications in Malaysia must renew their printing licenses each year to operate.

The Star got into trouble over a February 9 opinion piece by managing editor P. Gunasegaram, a non-Muslim, who criticised the caning of the women for sex outside of marriage, saying it undermined individual rights. The Home Ministry threatened action against The Star, saying the article might harm public order.

Apology

The newspaper withdrew the article and issued an apology.

Mahathir, the daughter of former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohammad, wrote on her internet blog that the law requiring publications to renew their license every year holds them hostage to the government.

"But still there is room for courage, to stand up for freedom of speech. If we capitulate every time, then why bother publishing at all?" she wrote.

The Star editors could not immediately be reached for comment.

The ministry's threat against The Star has fuelled concerns that conservative Islamists appear to be gaining influence over the government in the Muslim-majority country. Malaysia has long been seen as a model of a moderate and progressive Islamic society.

Mahathir said censoring the print media is pointless.

"What is the point of censoring the mainstream media when there is the freewheeling internet? The other point we should make to people like The Star is, what is the point of constantly sucking up to the government when they can still turn around and bite you?" Mahathir said.

The caning of the three women has caused debate in Malaysia. Rights groups say it is a degrading punishment and that civil law forbids the caning of women.

But the government insists it is a just penalty and that the caning for women provided for under Shariah law does not inflict physical pain.