The suspension of news weekly The Heat represents an end to Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak's honeymoon administration after the 13th general election and it is now a return to Mahathirism, says PAS Youth chief Suhaizan Kaiat.

The Home Ministry's actions seem like alarm bells are being sounded to other publications to toe the line and to stop criticising the prime minister, Suhaizan in a statement today.

pas announce candidates for johor ge13 130413 suhaizan kaiat "PAS Youth feels the Home Ministry's action is a violation of democracy and suppression of press freedom in the country. The ministry's action is as if there is a return to former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad's iron fist administration in closing all avenues of press freedom in the country.

"It also marks that Najib's honeymoon year has ended as he renews his action and anger against those who criticise him," Suhaizan ( left ) said in a statement issued today.

The Heat, which has been in publication since September, was suspended last week over an article on the spending traits of Najib and his wife Rosmah Mansor.

However, a Home Ministry spokesperson was quoted by the Wall Street Journal as saying that the suspension was due to "violating provisions mandated" under the publishing company's printing permit.

Describing the Home Ministry's action as unwise and an act of cruelty against publications, Suhaizan called on the ministry to withdraw the suspension.

He said Najib, as the leader of the country, should be magnanimous in accepting advice and criticism, as there could be something positive in them that could be used to improve the government's administration.

"If what is written in the article is considered slander, the prime minister should institute legal action, including suing The Heat for publishing a defamatory article that lowered his and his wife's esteem," the PAS Youth chief added.