Mahathir calls in publisher

Mahathir calls in publisher

KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): The publisher of Moslem opposition newspaper Harakah will be ordered to the home ministry next week to explain why the newspaper is still being sold openly, a report said on Friday.

Ministry secretary-general Samsudin Osman said the newspaper owned by Parti Islam Semalaysia (Pas) continued to be available on the streets when it was meant for distribution to members only.

"We have reminded the publisher several times in the past about its 'for members only' privilege. We are going to remind them again of this requirement at the meeting next week," Osman was quoted as saying by The New Straits Times newspaper.

Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, who is also the home minister, said last year that action would be taken against those caught selling the twice-weekly newspaper.