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Johor lawmaker fumes over The Star; urges its suspension over insensitive front page

JOHOR BARU: A Johor assemblyman has urged the government to suspend the publication of The Star newspaper following its controversial May 27 front page which had hurt the feelings of Muslims in the country.

Kempas assemblyman Datuk Tengku Putra Haron Aminurrashid Jumat also exhorted the owners of The Star to revamp their current editorial management to allow for better oversight on matters related to Islam.

He said what was published on May 27 jeopardised the peace of the state and could incite public disorder.

“The Star has hurt the feelings of Muslims in the country. No more show cause letters should be issued. (The Star) must be dealt with sternly.

“The Home Minister should take necessary action according to the provisions under his jurisdiction, without sidestepping or prancing around the issue, while others arrogantly tap dance in the faces of Muslims and Islam.

“Any action taken should be in good faith and righteously, according to one’s official responsibility in the interest of national harmony, no matter how risky it may look,” said Tengku Putra in a statement today.

He cited two previous occasions when The Star published items which were “insensitive to the feelings of Muslims”.

He said in Aug 2011, The Star published an advertisement on the "Best rib in town”; and in their Ramadan food supplement published two articles titled “Whipping up an appetite, Mongolian pork ribs” on page 4, and “Authentic prime pork ribs” on page 7.

In Feb 2012, the newspaper published a full-page picture of American singer Erykah Badu with a tattoo of “Allah” in Arabic script.

"On both occasions, The Star was let go with just a tap on the wrist,” he said.

Tengku Putra said The Star should be dealt with severely in accordance with the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984.

He said the newspaper’s transgression must be addressed "before terrorism really strikes on home soil. No prizes for the right guess on its target."

Yesterday, The Star issued an apology following wide criticism over its front page on May 27, where it published a picture of Muslims praying with the headline ‘Malaysian terrorist leader’.

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