Deputy Minister of Information, Communication and Culture, Joseph Salang Gandum defended the Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission's (MCMC) investigations into Malaysiakini 's airing of the cow-head video protests.

NONE "The MCMC is acting within the parameters of the law," said Joseph. "The issue is hot. I don't think anyone should contribute to make it hotter

"The MCMC is the custodian. The public won't like it if they (MCMC) did not take any action," said Joseph.

Speaking prior to Celcom's Deepa Raaga songwriting contest finals in Petaling Jaya last night, Joseph ( right ) also said MCMC's action in no way stifled press freedom.

The MCMC began its investigation after Malaysiakini refused to take down two videos which were perceived to be offensive.

The commission interviewed Malaysiakini 's editor-in-chief, Steven Gan , chief executive officer Premesh Chandran, editors, journalists, video team members and one technical staff.

Yesterday, on the third day of their investigations, a seven-member team from the commission demanded the original tapes and copied parts of a hard disk to establish a digital trail.

The two videos in question are the ' Temple demo: Residents march with cow's head ' and ' Hisham: Don't blame cow-head protesters '.