Suspension of Edge papers made in interest of nation, people: Shabery

Any action taken by the government is in the best interest of the nation and people in general, and that such action will surely have its supporters and opponents.

Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek said this today in reference to the three-month suspension from tomorrow of The Edge Weekly and The Edge Financial Daily by the Home Ministry over its reports on the 1MDB issue.

"If there are doubts about the authenticity of something and seen as liable to threaten public order and cause uneasiness to the people, then something must to done to manage it so that it will not be detrimental to society and so on," he said at a Hari Raya open house hosted by Gabungan Persatuan Wanita (GPW) Felda Kerteh Enam, here.

Ahmad Shabery said the Home Ministry's action (of suspending the publishing permits of the two publications) was taken after due consideration.

"Likewise, in the Low Yat (Plaza) incident recently, the police could not wait for the court's decision before taking action."

He said immediate action needed to be taken over a matter which could cause widespread tension and uneasiness, besides protecting public interest and maintaining order.

Ahmad Shabery said the considerations taken by the agency concerned or Home Ministry should be respected.

"To me, the reasons given are rational, as the investigation on 1MDB is still on, so we should not prematurely make our own judgment on the issue," he said.