Cover image via Nazrul
The Malaysian Insider was banned to maintain peace, says Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Image via The Malaysian Insider
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which is also known as Wisma Putra added that it desires to maintain the progressive and dynamic relationship with the US for the mutual benefit of both countries
3 March: The United States has rebuked Malaysia for the recent media crackdown in the country. This subtle intervention comes one week after the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) issued a ban on English daily The Malaysian Insider on 25 February.
John Kirby, the U.S. State Department spokesman has expressed concerns about the Malaysian government's failure to provide due process to targeted media groups before actually blocking the access
He added that the United States is "further troubled" that the Malaysian government has initiated criminal investigations against the media regardless Malaysian or international media organisations. He also highlighted that the amendments to the Communications and Multimedia Act "would further restrict online space."
Kirby ended his statement by acknowledging the two nations' close ties, urging the Malaysian government to ensure that everyone can exercise their freedom of speech, even if it is on the Internet
Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak (R) and US President Barrack Obama attend a joint press conference at the Seri Perdana Building official residence in Putrajaya, Malaysia, 27 April 2014.
Image via Ahmad Yusni/EPA
