KUALA LUMPUR: The Star has suspended two of its two top editors pending investigations and inquiry into the paper’s May 27 front page, which drew ire of many.
The Star Online reported that the newspaper editor-in-chief Datuk Leanne Goh Lee Yen and executive editor Dorairaj Nadason will cease to function in their respective roles until further notice.
“They have been suspended from their duties and an investigation into the matter will be conducted soon.
“Star Media Group managing director and chief executive officer Datuk Wong Chun Wai will oversee editorial operations during this period.
“The editors involved and the Star Media Group will cooperate fully with the relevant authorities in investigating the issue, especially the Home Ministry and the police,” The Star Online reported.
On May 29, the Home Ministry had given the newspaper seven days to respond to a show cause letter over its front page on Saturday, which depicted a picture of Muslims performing terawih prayer sandwiched between the headline “Malaysian terrorist leader” and a spa advertisement.
Ministry secretary general Datuk Seri Alwi Ibrahim was quoted as saying that the badly-placed headline painted a poor image of Muslims, as though those performing the prayers were terrorists.
Earlier today, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar said police had also opened investigation papers under the Sedition Act and Penal Code against the newspaper.
He said police had received numerous reports lodged by various parties over the issue.
“We will call in those who were responsible for the controversial front page and investigate as to why the publication put such a headline and a picture of Muslims performing terawih prayers,” he said.