The Malaysian Insider
by Lee Wei Lian
KUALA LUMPUR, March 24 - Outspoken political observer and former de facto Law Minister Datuk Zaid Ibrahim has hit out at the suspension of two opposition party publications and said that Malaysians should denounce attempts to silence opposing voices.
Zaid said that he was not surprised by the suspension of opposition party owned newspapers Suara Keadilan and Harakah and added that the only way to prevent more such attempts was if more people would stand up and criticise the move.
"We're all vulnerable," he said. "Those who think they are safe are mistaken. No matter how much you try to play safe, you are never safe. If more and more people stand up, then the people in power will probably think twice."
The government did not give an explanation for suspending the two opposition newspapers yesterday. However, it is widely perceived as a move to stifle the reach of opposition parties and bolster the chances of the ruling party in three critical by-elections next month.
In another move that is seen as an attempt to tighten its grip on the media landscape, Umno, the party that forms the backbone of the government, also barred six internet based media from covering its annual general assembly this week.
Zaid was speaking at the launch of two books published by The Malaysian Insider - 'Politik Abad ke-21. Perubahan Ataupun Harapan Palsu', by columnist Zulkifli Sulong and 'The Malaysian Insider: A year in the life of a country', a collection of columns that appeared in The Malaysian Insider which was edited by consultant editor Leslie Lau.
The former partner of the largest law firm in the country also touched on the need for more influential writers to communicate their ideas in Bahasa Malaysia in order to reach those who do not understand English.
"I know there is a language issue," he said. "You can say the best things in a language that nobody understands but there is no point. People oppose because they don't understand. I find that if you explain, ordinary people will understand."
Referring to the suspension of the two party publications, Zulkifli, a former writer for Harakah, told attendees at the book launch that he wore a dark shirt because it was "a dark day for Malaysian media."
When asked about his political future, Zaid said that he would like to return to parliament and would need to join a party to do so. But he declined to reveal which party yet as he has to "sort a few things out".
In another move that is seen as an attempt to tighten its grip on the media landscape, Umno, the party that forms the backbone of the government, also barred six internet based media from covering its annual general assembly this week.
Zaid was speaking at the launch of two books published by The Malaysian Insider - 'Politik Abad ke-21. Perubahan Ataupun Harapan Palsu', by columnist Zulkifli Sulong and 'The Malaysian Insider: A year in the life of a country', a collection of columns that appeared in The Malaysian Insider which was edited by consultant editor Leslie Lau.
The former partner of the largest law firm in the country also touched on the need for more influential writers to communicate their ideas in Bahasa Malaysia in order to reach those who do not understand English.
"I know there is a language issue," he said. "You can say the best things in a language that nobody understands but there is no point. People oppose because they don't understand. I find that if you explain, ordinary people will understand."
Referring to the suspension of the two party publications, Zulkifli, a former writer for Harakah, told attendees at the book launch that he wore a dark shirt because it was "a dark day for Malaysian media."
When asked about his political future, Zaid said that he would like to return to parliament and would need to join a party to do so. But he declined to reveal which party yet as he has to "sort a few things out".
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