Press Statement by Karpal Singh in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday, 17^th April 2008: 

Renewal of Makkal Osai Publishing licence refused

Minister of Home Affairs, Dato Seri Syed Hamid Albar, should give the utmost premium of freedom of the press in the country. The rejection of the application for renewal of the publishing licence of Makkal Osai will be viewed negatively by the international community. The Ministry of Home Affairs should also not ignore the plight of more than 100 people employed by Makkal Osai.

Makkal Osai has been objective in its reporting news relating to the Government and the Opposition. I cannot see any reason why Makkal Osai is being victimised.

I call upon the Home Minister to favourably consider Makkal Osai’s appeal for renewal of its publishing licence.

The Barisan National Government should not, in the wake of its poor showing in the recent general elections, be seen to be going on a witch hunt.

---

* Karpal Singh, DAP National Chairman & MP for Bukit Gelugor