The Star in the soup over Ramadan supplement

The Home Ministry has called up the group chief editor of The Star newspaper for running ‘ buka puasa ’ (breaking of fast) articles together with stories of non-halal restaurants in a pullout

segment. 

Its deputy secretary-general (security), Abdul Rahim Mohamad Radzi, said the articles were carried in the paper's ‘Dining Out’ supplement with ‘Ramadan Delights' as its cover headline.

He said the ministry wanted to make it known to the newspaper that it was wrong to do this as it was insensitive.

“The ministry views this very seriously, more so as it is a supplement that is aimed at helping Muslims choose food outlets for breaking the fast,” he said in a statement in Kuala Lumpur today.

He added that the newspaper had admitted its mistake and would be issuing an apology tomorrow.

Meanwhile, Malay right wing group Perkasa wants The Star newspaper to make an open apology to Muslims for running ‘ buka puasa ’ articles with stories of non-halal restaurants in a pull-out segment called

‘Dining Out’ with ‘Ramadan Delights’ as its cover headline.   

Its president, Ibrahim Ali, said the newspaper’s action reflected its insensitivity to the sanctity of the holy month of Ramadan, and described it as rude.

“I strongly condemn the newspaper’s action in carrying pictures of pork in its food supplement on Ramadan Delights,” he told Bernama . 

The Pasir Mas MP asked the Home Ministry to act on the matter, saying it ridiculed Muslims and the act of fasting. 

He said all quarters should be sensitive in matters contrary to Islam, which was the official religion of the country where the majority of the people were Muslims.

Freedom, even guaranteed by the constitution, should not be regarded as absolute, he said.

- Bernama