The Internal Security Ministry issued 13 warning letters, two show-cause letters and 11 censures to newspapers last year.

The figures were revealed by Deputy Internal Security Minister Fu Ah Kiow, who answered a question on the matter in writing at the Dewan Rakyat earlier today.

According to Fu, 56 'advice', 10 censures and six warnings were issued in 2004 - a much higher figure than last year.

It was also revealed that 539 actions were taken against Malay, English, Chinese and Tamil publications last year compared to 399 in 2004.

The most recent figures - up to January - do not include the suspension orders slapped on three newspapers for publishing the offensive caricatures of Prophet Muhammad.

The dailies - Sarawak Tribune , Guangming Daily and Berita Petang - were suspended last month.

'Open and liberal' policy

During question time in the House, Fu said the ministry would act against those who breached the Printing and Publications Act 1984 (PPPA).

"If a mistake is repeated, we will issue a show-cause letter followed by suspension or cancellation of the printing permit," he said.

Despite this, he stressed that the ministry practised an "open, liberal and responsible" policy in relation to the media.

"This is in line with democratic principles and Malaysia's multi-racial society," he said, adding that "adequate space" has been provided for media operations.

"The ministry gives wide space to newspapers so that they would be inclined towards positive and knowledgeable reports," he said.

On the same note, the deputy minister said the government must ensure that publications do not contain elements that could jeopardise order and security.

He said the surveillance and enforcement are carried out under the PPPA and other laws such as the Internal Security Act, Defamation Act, Official Secrets Act and the Al-Quran Text Printing Act.

The PPPA and the ministry's publication guidelines are relevant and in line with current challenges in keeping the media in check, he added.

Suara Keadilan in limbo

In a related development, opposition Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) has yet to secure a printing permit for its party organ. The application was submitted last June.

PKR president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail said the party had not received any response from the ministry to date.

"We cannot see any reason why Suara Keadilan's permit had not been approved," she told a press conference at the Parliament lobby.

"We believe the long delay is a deliberate ploy by the government to stifle criticism and dissent," she added.

The party is seeking a meeting with Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, who is also internal security minister, to discuss the matter this week.