The indefinite suspension imposed on Sarawak Tribune evoked mixed reactions in the media industry. Some said it was too harsh, while others claimed it was warranted.

The newspaper had run into trouble after reproducing caricatures of Prophet Muhammad, deemed offensive by Muslims.

In an attempt to discover how the media industry felt about the issue, malaysiakini interviewed the editors of several dailies, all of whom requested anonymity.

A senior Chinese daily editor described the suspension as uncalled for and that the issue was blown out of proportion.

The editor said a public apology would have sufficed since the paper had merely committed a 'technical mistake'.

"It is true a technical mistake was made under the law, but if the government believes in freedom of expression or press freedom, there could be other forms of punishment that would take place naturally such as a boycott by the civil society.

"The suspension only serves to strengthen the government's authority," he said when contacted.

Employees affected

Another Chinese newspaper editor described the suspension as excessively harsh and unreasonable since some 300 Sarawak Tribune employees are now left in the lurch.

He added that Sarawakians have also lost an asset.

"Malaysia has taken a more moderate stance on the cartoon crisis, including not calling for a boycott of Danish products. Why couldn't the same be extended to the media?" he asked.

On the same note, he hoped that it would be a short-term suspension, adding that the resignation of the person responsible was adequate punishment.

Asked how long he thought the suspension would last, he said the upcoming Sarawak elections and the company being linked to state Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud could influence this.

If the international protests over the cartoons, which was first published in a Denmark newspaper last year, ceases, the suspension could be lifted earlier, he added.

Meanwhile, a top editor with an English daily said it was difficult to determine wether the suspension was harsh or otherwise since nobody knew what happened behind closed doors or if a deal had been struck between the paper and the authorities.

"We don't really know the reason behind the suspension. We don't know what negotiations took place, I wouldn't be able to comment as it will not reflect a real story then.

"There is no real comment from Sarawak Tribune's side either besides their apology and all that. This is a complex issue," he said.

As for another English daily editor, the issue had left a sour taste in his mouth.

"A lot of people have been affected. It's not fair if I say anything. I am just uncomfortable with the whole thing. They (Sarawak Tribune) are having a bad time and I would rather not comment," he said also requesting for anonymity.

Breaking the law

Taking a more concrete stance and having no qualms about her name being mentioned, was National Union of Journalists (NUJ) president Norila Mohd Daud.

She said the publisher had been informed of the regulations under the Printing Presses and Publications Act when they obtained a licence.

"So if they publish things which are detrimental to national security, obviously the Internal Security Ministry can take action.

"When these things happen, the workers are in trouble and become the victims of the irresponsible actions of others," she added when contacted.

As for her views on the suspension, she replied: "Playing with the issue of religion is very dangerous. If the government does not take harsh action, other papers (could) also play around with this issue.

"You have seen how Muslims around the world have reacted to this issue, so in Malaysia, it will be worse if you let such things go on," she added.