Human rights watchdog Suhakam has expressed concern over the Home Ministry's recent actions against several publications.

NONE In a statement today, Suhakam chairman Hasmy Agam ( right ) referred to the recent banning of the ‘1 Funny Malaysia' political comic book by popular cartoonist Zulkifli Anwar Ulhaque, better known as Zunar, the suspension of PKR organ Suara Keadilan and the warning issued to PAS organ Harakah .

"Suhakam considers these decisions as infringements of freedom of speech, expression and information, which are enshrined in Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights 1948," he said.

He urged the Home Ministry to rescind the said actions and to immediately form an independent media council to self-regulate the industry through a mandatory industry code monitored by a complaints bureau to handle disputes.