Two senior editors of The Star suspended over contentious cover

Cops open investigation papers against the newspaper over front page controversy

THE Star has suspended two of its two top editors pending investigation and inquiry into its front page on Saturday, which caused a controversy.

The Star online reported that editor-in-chief Datuk Leanne Goh Lee Yen and executive editor Dorairaj Nadason would cease to function their roles until further notice.

“They have been suspended from their duties and an inves- tigation into the matter will be conducted soon.

“Star Media Group Bhd managing director and chief executive officer Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai will oversee editorial operations during this period.

“The editors involved and the Star Media Group Bhd will cooperate fully with the authorities in investigating the issue, especially the Home Ministry and police,” The Star online reported.

It was reported that the Min- istry had given the newspaper seven days to respond to a showcause letter over its front page, which depicted a picture of Muslims performing terawih prayer sandwiched between the headline “Malaysian terrorist leader” and a spa advertisement.

Secretary general Datuk Seri Alwi Ibrahim was quoted as saying that the badly-placed headline painted a poor image of Muslims, as though those performing the prayers were terrorists.

Yesterday, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar said p olice had also opened investigation papers under the Sedition Act and Penal Code against the newspaper.

He said police had received reports lodged over the issue.

“We will call in those who were responsible for the front page and investigate why the publication put such a headline and a picture of Muslims performing

terawih prayers.”