The Internal Security Ministry has directed the mainstream media to stop publishing reports related to the 'Negarakuku' controversy.

This was confirmed by the ministry's Publications Control and Al-Quran Texts Unit senior officer Che Din Yusof.

"Yes, the directive was issued today," he said when contacted. "What more is there for the papers to write? Enough is enough.

"There are so many other things that can bring benefit to the nation, why focus on this issue and bring in other points? He (Wee Meng Chee) has already apologised," he added.

However, Che Din said the media can still report on comments made by Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and his deputy Najib Abdul Razak on the issue.

Rap video

Wee, 24, had ruffled feathers with a rap video he posted on YouTube which is a parody of the national anthem.

Wee, who hails from Johor and is currently studying in Taiwan, came under fire from various quarters, including government leaders, who accused him of inciting racial animosity and insulting Islam.

The first two syllables of the video translate to a foul word in the Hokkien dialect.

In the video, Wee, who has since apologised for his action and removed the video, accused the Malaysian police of being corrupt and described the subuh (Muslim dawn) prayers, which he said were at times out of tune, as his wake-up call.

He also insinuated that the Malays, who form the majority of government servants and enforcement officers, were lazy and proud. He described the Chinese as hardworking.

The media studies student, who went under the moniker Namewee, faces the possibility of being charged under the Sedition Act and is also being investigated by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission.

Raise tensions

Meanwhile, Che Din justified the ministry's move in issuing the directive on the grounds that the issue can raise tensions in the country.

"(If we keep talking about it) it will raise tensions, do you know that?

"You as an emotional layman can say anything, If I wasn't a civil servant, I can say anything too. It's too polemic already in the newspapers," he said.

According to him, political leaders, NGOs and Wee himself can no longer have their statements published in the newspapers.

As for the exception given to the prime minister and his deputy, Che Din said the statements made by these leaders are aimed at "fixing the situation".

Asked whether there is a similar ban on the broadcast media, he said: "Those belong to other ministries but if it was under (my ministry), I would order them to stop (broadcasting the Negarakuku issue too).