Farewell Detik: Another brave magazine has been killed

Aliran condemns the Home Ministry for not granting a fresh licence for the bimonthly Detik upon expiry of its previous annual licence. This is an absolute abuse of authority by the Home Affairs Ministry. It reflects an arrogance of power that does not respect the democratic rights of citizens.

Such insolent behaviour must be roundly condemned. In any civil society, the exercise of authority should be grounded in legitimate, logical reasons. In refusing the licence for Detik, no reason was given; no explanation was provided as though the Home Affairs Ministry is not accountable to the public.

When Abdullah Badawi became the Home Minister, many Malaysians felt that under his tenure, the Ministry would become more tolerant and liberal. But they were sadly mistaken. Old habits die hard and Abdullah appears bent on carrying on with the same repressive measures.

A very important principle has been blatantly violated: the freedom of the press. It is distressing and depressing to learn that the National Union of Journalists has no comment to make on this very important issue. One would have thought that they would have been in the forefront to challenge and condemn this abuse in upholding the freedom of the press.

The granting of licence must not be used as a political weapon to punish those who do not toe the government line. It is reprehensible that the Ministry has turned out to be a convenient tool to serve vested interests. Only recently, opposition tabloid Harakah had its frequency slashed by 75 per cent from twice a week to every fortnight. Now, another brave magazine, Detik, has been killed. Who will be next?