Retract 'shut down' threat, Chinese editors tell Zahid

The Chinese newspaper editors association has urged Home Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi to retract his threat to close down newspapers.

In a statement issued yesterday, the editors expressed regret over the minister's remarks made during a briefing in Malacca.

The association also noted that the event was a "security briefing ceremony with community leaders" and carried the federal and Malacca government emblems, therefore it clearly was a government function.

Even if Zahid chose to campaign to retain his vice-president post in the coming Umno elections at the government event, which he later claimed was a closed-door meeting, the editors said he should not have made improper remarks and threats against the journalists.

The association said race relations in Malaysia had been deteriorating steadily since the May 5 general election, with certain politicians raising sensitive issues to gain political mileage.

"As a member of the cabinet, one should speak and act cautiously and should not threaten to close down newspapers," the association said in reference to Zahid's threat.

The association comprises senior editors from Sin Chew Daily, China Press, Nanyang Siang Pau and Guang Ming Daily.

Zahid had told the reporters present at last Saturday’s event to leave and warned them against reporting his remarks.

The threat succeeded in silencing most of the media, although Oriental Daily News and Guang Ming Daily reported his warning, which they said came in the wake of his "sensitive remarks". However, there was no elaboration on this.

Malaysiakini reported parts of his speech after obtaining a 20-minute audio recording from DAP Ayer Keroh state assemblyperson Khoo Poay Tiong.