A call-in radio programme for current affairs over RTM's re-branded Mandarin-language station AiFM has had to 'adjust' its content from this month in compliance with a government order.

However, some quarters see the information ministry's directive as an excuse to axe the programme because the on-air discussions are deemed to have sometimes crossed the line.

'Morning Topic' hosted by Wang Piao Ming was initially a 'live' programme broadcast from 8-10am on weekdays.

Listeners were allowed to call in or send text messages with their views on current issues, mainly related to government policies and politics. Commentators were also invited to give their opinions.

Following its launch on April 4 last year, it received good response because of its bold discussion of such 'sensitive' issues as the language switch in primary schools, the rift between the past and present prime minister and anti-price hike demonstrations.

According to reliable sources, the programme then received complaints from politicians from Barisan Nasional component parties. Wang then made several minor adjustments in order to toe the line.

The June 23 programme, which examined the issue of merging classes in Chinese primary schools, was seen as the last straw.

That morning, listeners lambasted MCA and deputy education minister Hon Choon Kim for their failure to uphold the Chinese community's education rights. This was in relation to the Selangor education department's policy to merge classes in Chinese primary schools to make up 45 pupils per class.

Sources revealed that, the next day, the office of Information Minister Zainuddin Maidin instructed that the programme be terminated, but without the knowledge of his deputy Chia Kwang Chye who oversees Mandarin radio stations.

A day after news reports highlighted the directive on June 26, Chia announced at a press conference that the programme would be maintained but that adjustments would be made to "improve and make the station more popular".

He claimed that this would be based on a rating survey done by AC Nielsen, a market survey company, but no further details were given to justify the adjustment.

Subsequently, the radio station confirmed in a statement that adjustments would be made - while the programme would be retained, the main host would be replaced.

Strong hints

Sources said the rating for 'Morning Topic' has been rising since its launch. They also said that, since Chia could not go against his minister, he would have hoped that retaining the programme's name could shield him from accusations of suppressing media freedom.

During a week of transition from June 26-30, call-in and call-out sessions were terminated, but the two secondary hosts sent out strong hints about their disgruntlement during the programmes.

Mandarin songs with names related to the closure were played. Among these were 'Tell the Truth', 'Silence is Golden', and 'Something that Cannot be Told'.

In addition, the phone number of the Public Complaints Bureau was given out during the programme, with listeners being advised to complain of their dissatisfaction.

Fingers were pointed at Hon and MCA as being the source of complaints to Zainuddin.

However, Hon's office has released a statement denying the allegation, adding that his ministry welcomes opinions and criticism.

Since July 3, Wang has been replaced and the programme content has been extensively softened to cover such issues as drug addiction, marital relationships and entrepreneurship skills. This has substantially reduced the possibility of criticism of the government.

This episode adds to a number of incidents that have negated premier Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's call to citizens to tell him "the truth".

Columnists have been barred from writing for the Chinese press or on issues such as the anti-price hike demonstrations, while former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad's criticism of the current administration's decisions have been blacked out in the print media.