An opposition parliament's attempt to have a "rational and mature" debate over the publishing of the Prophet Muhamad caricatures and implications was shot down in Parliament today.

Salahuddin Ayub (PAS-Kubang Kerian) in tabling his motion, described the Danish newspaper which first published the caricatures last September as "irresponsible and rude".

One of the 12 controversial caricatures published in the paper was deemed to depict the Prophet as a terrorist. Islamic teachings ban any image of the Prophet.

"We regret to see that the same thing happened in Malaysia. The reproduction - whether intentionally or not - by Sarawak Tribune , Guang Ming Daily evening edition, New Straits Times , RTM and TV3 repeated the mistake," he told the House.

"Hence, I urge this august House to adopt the motion for a rational and mature debate, as well as to issue a clear reminder and warning that this issue has big implications for security and peace in the country," he added.

Not urgent

Rejecting the motion, Dewan Rakyat Speaker Ramli Ngah Talib said although was a specific issue that involves public interest, it did not satisfy the criterion of urgency.

"The caricatures were printed last September. In Malaysia, the government has acted accordingly," he explained.

He, however, criticised the management of news organisations that had published the caricatures.

The Sarawak Tribune was the worst hit, with indefinite suspension despite two front-page apologies.

The Chinese-language Guang Ming Daily (evening edition) and Berita Petang (another Sarawak-based daily) each served out a two-week suspension.