The Information Ministry has decided that an Internet newspaper must obtain a publication permit from the Home Affairs Ministry (KDN) before it can be issued press accreditation cards.

According to the ministry's press secretary Zukri Valentino, Malaysiakini.com 's application for the press cards was rejected following consideration by Information Minister Khalil Yaacob.

Meanwhile, Information Ministry director-general Abas Salleh said the requirement for Internet companies to apply for a KDN publication permit is normal procedure in the issuance of press cards.

"Every media company has to fulfil this condition," Abas said, with reference to the rejection of malaysiakini 's application for the press cards.

Asked whether this condition could be waived, Abas stressed that there is no exemption provided, and Malaysiakini.com must apply for the KDN permit.

However, Home Ministry's assistant secretary Ghaffar Dollah said that Internet (media) companies need not apply for a KDN permit.

"Only print companies need such a permit," he explained.

"If the Information Ministry requires such a permit, my ministry will tell them that Internet newspapers do not need such a permit," Ghaffar said.

Malaysiakini.com said that it will not apply for a KDN publication permit in order to obtain the press cards.

"We will, however, send a letter to the Home Ministry requesting it to clarify the matter with the Information Ministry," said editor Steven Gan.