The New York-based Committee to Protect Journalist (CPJ) has condemned the Malaysian government's decision to make drastic changes to a call-in radio programme on the government-run AiFM station.

The popular current affairs programme 'Morning talk' was reportedly toned down and had its original host removed by the Information Ministry after call-in listeners lambasted MCA and deputy education minister Hon Choon Kim over Chinese education issues.

CPJ executive director Joel Simon noted that this was the second time the government had terminated a popular call-in radio programme in the past year since the termination of "Traffic Light After Work" program on the private Wa-FM station.

"We call upon the Malaysian government to stop harassing the broadcast media and allow journalists to do their jobs without fear of reprisal.

"Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has repeatedly vowed that his government would allow for more freedom of expression - and freeing Malaysia's radio broadcasters from government interference is a good place to start," said Joel in a statement.

Soft topics

Previously, the programme saw soaring ratings mainly attributed to the coverage of 'sensitive' topics such as the spat between Abdullah and predecessor Dr Mahathir Mohamad, language switch in Chinese primary schools and the series of anti fuel-price hikes demonstrations.

Since July 3, topics discussed on the programme have been extensively softened to cover among others, drug addiction, marital issues and entrepreneurship skills in a bid seen to reduce the possibility of volatile criticisms being hurled on the government.

Thus far, a coalition of 35 local NGOs, including press freedom advocates, have signed a petition to reinstate the programme in its original format.