The Internal Security Ministry has strongly hinted that it will not approve an application by online daily malaysiakini for a print publication, citing fears that the publication will be "prejudicial and jeopardise national security and public order".

Its minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, who is also prime minister, alluded to this in a two-page parliamentary written reply to Teresa Kok (DAP-Seputeh) today - although he also said the ministry is "still considering" the application.

Kok had asked about the status of the application for a print weekly that malaysiakini submitted in September 2002.

"In this matter, a few important aspects are of major concern, including the potential of a newspaper to publish responsible, balanced and neutral information that does not threaten and jeopardise unity, or is prejudicial to national security and public order," Abdullah responded.

'Provocative and exploitative'

He said the online version of malaysiakini is "sufficient" as a channel to disseminate information to the public.

"Based on the application and (print) mock-up, as well as the track record of online daily, the ministry is of the opinion that malaysiakini has a tendency of (highlighting) sensational and sensitive issues which could be prejudicial and jeopadise national security and public order," he claimed.

"A print version that is provocative and exploitative would have negative implications when the newspaper is distributed and sold in the open market."

The print media must comply with provisions of the Printing Presses and Publications Act (PPPA) which among others, stipulates a maximum 12-month validity for printing and publishing permits. This forces owners to renew their licences annually.

The power to grant, renew and revoke permit lies with the internal security minister, whose decisions is not subject to judicial review.

In his reply, Abdullah cited the PPPA in arguing that every application for a print daily must fulfill three criteria - submission of an application form, relevant documents about the applicant as a registered company, and a mock-up of the proposed publication.

"Nonetheless, the ministry also needs to ensure any publication of the newspaper will not have the potential to be harmful based on seven elements stipulated in Section 7 of the Act," he said.

Section 7 outlines content deemed to be "undesirable" in publications - that which is prejudicial or likely to be prejudicial to public order, morality, security and bilateral ties with countries; public interest or national interest; likely to alarm the public; or likely to run contrary to any law.

How long more?

Commenting on the reply, Kok said Abdullah's reply was "contradictory" as it recognises the role of the award-winning online daily as a channel of news, while accusing it of tendencies to jeopardise national security.

She also questioned the length of time the ministry has taken to decide on the application as it has been sitting on it for almost two years.

"The government is afraid that malaysiakini reports will be accessed by more readers in future (if the permit is granted)," she said.

She also called on Abdullah to liberalise the licencing system and enable more players to enter the industry, in line with his own call for the media to tell him the truth.

"The premier should encourage more competition in the media industry. The choice of media products should be decided by market forces," she said.

Kok also raised the issue during the debate on supplementary bills in the House this afternoon.