Front page controversy: The Star suspends two top editors

According to The Star Online, the two editors were editor-in-chief Datuk Leanne Goh Lee Yen and executive editor Dorairaj Nadason.

It said both would 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 Seri Wong Chun Wai will oversee editorial operations during this period," it added.

The Star front page on May 27 featured a photograph and caption of Muslims performing taraweh prayers to mark the first day of Ramadan under the bold headline ''Malaysian Terrorist Leader''.

It drew criticisms from various parties, notably Muslim non-governmental organisations which deemed the headline and caption as insensitive to the feelings of the Muslim community.

Yesterday, the Home Ministry summoned four editors of The Star to explain the headline, the photograph and the caption which suggested that Muslims were linked to terrorism.

From there, The Star was given seven days to reply the letter on why action should not be taken against the tabloid newspaper under the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984, including suspension of its publishing permit.