New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists has expressed concern over the recent wave of resignations, suspensions and retrenchments at The Sun newspaper.

The international press freedom group said it was notified that retrenchments involving predominantly editorial staff was a move to rein in the paper's political coverage which has in recent times been aggressive compared with other mainstream media in Malaysia.

In a letter addressed to Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, the committee said it condemned any state interference in the media.

"In order for true democracy to exist in Malaysia, journalists must have the ability to report and publish free of political pressure," said CPJ executive director Ann Cooper.

"While you (Dr Mahathir) denied exerting direct pressure on The Sun , you said publicly that you are 'satisfied' by the resignation of editors at the newspaper," she said.

Cooper said the CPJ was aware that the Human Resources Ministry is investigating possible labour violations that many have occurred during the retrenchment exercise.

Malaysiakini reported yesterday that The Sun management had spurned the Labour Department's invitation for a meeting yesterday.

The department officials and National Union of Journalist representatives were left waiting in vain for two hours when the newspaper's representatives failed to turn up.

The human resources minister had earlier last week said that his ministry would look into the matter.

Media control

The CPJ said that it was well-aware that nearly all mainstream Malaysian newspapers are owned and controlled by parties aligned with the ruling Barisan Nasional coalition. This included The Sun , which is owned by Vincent Tan, a close associate of Mahathir.

"Like all other newspapers in Malaysia, it is ( The Sun ) generally not at odds with the (Mahathir) regime," said Cooper.

"However, at times it has published reports on controversial topics, including party divisions within the Malaysian Chinese Association, a leading partner of Barisan Nasional."

MCA leaders are believed to have approached senior editors of the paper to complain about its news reports.

Early this month, The Sun axed 43 staff members, citing financial reasons for the retrenchment exercise.

The paper has been besieged with problems since it ran a controversial story on a plot to kill Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad and Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi. Several key editorial personnel either resigned or were suspended following the event.

Staff members subsequently picketed and held candlelight vigils in protest of the suspension of their colleagues and the non-payment of bonuses.