The Kelantan PAS government has banned Utusan Malaysia from covering functions which involve Menteri Besar Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat and also the State Legislative Assembly sitting, with immediate effect.

The Menteri Besar's press secretary, Ahmad Fadzli Shaari, said the decision was made following a caricature on the issue of rape and adultery, which it deemed as an insult to Islam, that was published by the newspaper.

He said an official letter on the matter would be issued by the Menteri Besar's Office soon.

"Utusan Malaysia will be banned from covering such functions until the newspaper makes an official apology or withdraw the publication of the caricature," he said when contacted by Bernama.

Yesterday, PAS launched a boycott of Utusan Malaysia, claiming that the newspaper had insulted Islam through the caricature which was published last Wednesday.

Journalist club slams ban
   
Kelab Wartawan Kelantan Darul Naim (Kemudi) deputy president Mohd Harris Hazri Abdul Halim slammed the Kelantan government's decision on the Utusan ban.

"It is not the fault of Utusan Malaysia's staff in Kelantan. The caricature was done at Utusan's head office (in Kuala Lumpur). The ban decision has no basis and furthermore, PAS should be more open where the media is concerned," he told Bernama.

Meanwhile, in another development, the Kelantan PAS Liaison Committee has been restructured with the appointment of Pulai Chondong Assemblyman Zulkifli Mamat as secretary and Pengkalan Pasir Assemblyman Hanifa Ahmad as treasurer.

Zulkifli takes over from Kelaboran assemblyman Mohd Zaki Ibrahim.

Nik Abdul Aziz, who is Kelantan PAS commissioner, said Deputy Menteri Besar Ahmad Yacob and state executive council members, Husam Musa and Mohd Amar Nik Abdullah, remained as the deputy commissioners.

- Bernama