Malaysiakini.com's press accreditation card application will be reconsidered by the Information Ministry after the Internet newspaper's original application was rejected two weeks ago.

According to the ministry's press secretary, Zukri Valentino, the ministry will review the application and a written reply will be given to Malaysiakini.com.

"The application is now being reviewed by the Information Department," said Zukri, who submitted the matter to the Information Minister Khalil Yaacob last week.

Malaysiakini reported that its application for press accreditation card was rejected on the ground that it has no publication permit from the Home Ministry, according to a letter from Resat Salleh, the Press and Public Relations Department director, on behalf of the Information Director-General. ("[#1] No official press cards for Internet media[/#] ", April 17)

However, the Home Ministry explained that there is no policy regarding publication permits for Internet press. ("[#2] Home Ministry studying permits for Internet media[/#] ", April 18)

According to Deputy Home Minister Zainal Abidin Zin, the Internet press is still a new medium and the ministry has yet to consider whether there is a need for Internet newspapers to apply for publication permits.

The press accreditation card issued by the Information Department is needed by journalists and photographers to attend official government functions and press conferences and to enter government buildings.