Sinar Harian had denied that controversial academic Ridhuan Tee Abdullah has been barred from writing his column in the Malay daily.

The paper’s editorial executive adviser, Abdul Jalil Ali, also denied that Ridhuan was dropped as a columnist, and instead pointed out how every columnist was subjected to a limited run.

“I think Ridhuan has been the one given the longest amount of time - three years. Others were only given two and a half years,” Abdul Jalil told reporters at the sidelines of a forum held in Shah Alam today.

Abdul Jalil added that Sinar Harian had no problems with the things written by the academician, and pointed out how fellow academician Abdul Aziz Bari as well as a few others, had also had their columns discontinued.

“It has nothing to do with pressure from MCA or Umno. The only column that cannot be dropped is mine,” joked Abdul Jalil, who has his own column in the paper.

Ismaweb had earlier reported that Ridhuan’s column, which was published every Monday, had not appeared for two consecutive weeks, with the last on Sept 5.

The article claimed that Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA) had ordered the lecturer to cease writing for the Malay daily.

"Not only he cannot write for a newspaper or online portal, he has also been forbidden from giving comments," it claimed.

Courted problems

The article said it is believed that Ridhuan had courted problems when he questioned the patriotic spirit of Malaysian athletes, whom he said were more interested in financial rewards.

"So it does not come as a surprise that 'hidden hands' worked hard to shut his mouth by pressuring UniSZA.

"This vile move must be the work of those whom Ridhuan categorised as 'ultra kiasu'," it added.

For Ridhuan, the article said, "ultra kiasu" were not only in the "racist and chauvinistic DAP" but also some of those in MCA, Gerakan and MIC. It added that "ultra kiasu" also existed in Umno.

Though describing Ridhuan as a writer with potential, given that he possessed a degree in political science, masters in strategic studies, PhD in politics and government as well as a diploma in Islamic studies, the article however conceded that some of his views were sensitive in relation to Islam, race and language.

In certain cases, it said, his arguments also targeted ministers.

"He whacks anyone who belittles Islam, the Malay race and language. To the point that he himself is called a Chinese who wants to be a Malay," it added.

An online check by Malaysiakini revealed that Ridhuan's last column in Sinar Harian was titled, 'Di mana kekuatan MCA? (Where is MCA's strength?)'

Meanwhile, a public relations official from UniSZA declined comment when asked for response on the matter.

Additional reporting by Anne Muhammad and Shakira Buang.