The government should not interrupt, stop or threaten the media from reporting on the Vision School project and other controversial issues, a Chinese non-governmental organisation said today.

The Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall (SCAH) Youth told malaysiakini today that the government should instead concern itself with the people's feedback and reactions and should not implement projects that the people object to.

Targetting the Home Affairs Ministry in particular for taking to task two Chinese media for reporting on controversial issues, Jean Lee, who heads SCAH Youth, said, "Suqiu and the Vision School project are issues close to the people's hearts.

"The ministry should not issue the order to stop or prohibit reporting of the issues, nor should it threaten or take action against the media for doing their job."

China Press was issued a show-cause letter and two warning letters by the ministry in the past month for reporting on controversial issues, specifically the Vision School project and the long-dormant Chang Ming Thien Foundation (CMTF) education fund while Nanyang Siang Pau got an oral warning from an official in the ministry's Publications Control Unit for similar "breaches" ([#1]Ministry warns Chinese dailies[/#], Nov 17).

The Vision School project has met with strong opposition from the Chinese community and educationists whereas the RM10 million Chang Ming Thien Foundation (CMTF) education fund caused a scandal in the Chinese community when it was revealed that no student had benefitted from the fund since it was set up in 1980.

"We urge the ministry to identify its duty and not abuse its administrative powers. The ministry should stop interfering with press freedom and oppressing the rights of the people," she said.

She also said that SCAH Youth is aghast that such forms of control on the media can happen in a democratic and modern country like Malaysia.