The Institute of Journalist (IoJ) has called for the state to cease action against The Star, following the daily's decision to suspend its editor-in-chief and executive editor over a controversial front page on May 27.

"This decision shows that the paper is willing to take responsibility for whatever transgressions it is seen to have committed, perceived or otherwise.

"The IoJ repeats its position that the only way forward in promoting a free press is to allow media organisations to decide for themselves how to deal with such issues and to determine their editorial direction, without undue and misplaced pressure from the authorities," it said in a statement.

The Star yesterday suspended its editor-in-chief Leanne Goh and executive editor Dorairaj Nadason pending an internal investigation into the May 27 front page.

The front page which sparked public outcry featured a picture of Muslims praying under an unrelated article with the headline "Malaysian terrorist leader".

The Home Ministry on May 29 issued a show-cause letter instructing the daily to explain why it should not have its publication licence suspended, according to provisions under the Printing Presses and Publications Act (PPPA). It has to reply by June 5.

The ministry also expressed grave disappointment over the front page, while police are investigating the daily under the Sedition Act for allegedly inciting religious enmity.

The IoJ said the reactions have been "heavy-handed" and "deeply disproportionate" as the front page was an "editorial oversight" and not a deliberate move to sow racial and religious discord.

The daily had also apologised for the "oversight" on May 28.

The IoJ said suspending the The Star's publication licence would be "yet another nail in the coffin of press freedom in Malaysia, which is severely curtailed by archaic laws and hostile treatment by many who hold positions of power".

It also called for the repeal of the Sedition Act, the PPPA and laws which curb freedom of speech.

"The government must take proactive measures to protect media freedom in the country and allow the media to operate freely and independently without any undue interference or threats of persecution for doing their jobs."