Malaysian govt. lifts ban on Tamil daily

Kuala Lumpur (PTI): Malaysian government on Thursday lifted the ban on publication of a prominent Tamil daily in the face of fierce criticism by Opposition leaders and pressure from media activists.

The country's Home Ministry had suspended the publication permit of "Makkal Osai" or People's voice last week on the grounds that the paper had flouted publication guidelines.

The newspaper's General Manager, S M Periasamy, today said he received a letter from the ministry informing him that the ban has been dropped.

Home Minister Syed Hamid Albar confirmed that he approved a fresh annual permit for 'Makkal Osai' or 'People's voice', saying its editors had assured the government that "they will abide by the guidelines and contribute to our nation-building efforts."

He denied that the government had backtracked in the face of criticism by the opposition leaders.

"We never act under pressure," Hamid told reporters. What we act on is in the interest of the country."

Hamid said the decision to lift the ban on publication of the paper was taken considering the interests of the paper's employees.

Periasamy said the government has not imposed any condition while allowing its publication. He said the newspaper could resume publication from Saturday.

"We will continue as before by giving prominent coverage to Indian-based issues," he said.