The Malaysiakini website has over the past decade become a leading source of information in the Southeast Asian nation, where major newspapers and broadcasters are largely government-linked.
Malaysiakini - which focuses on politics, corruption and social issues - filed a case in the High Court today, challenging the Home Ministry's decision to reject its request for a permit to publish a newspaper.
"I don't see why we shouldn't be allowed to publish a newspaper," its chief executive Premesh Chandran told AFP.
"It's a constitutional right and Malaysiakini has been around for 10 years, we have a proven track record for being independent, balanced and credible."
All newspapers in Malaysia need a permit which must be renewed annually.
The licensing system allows the government to close media outlets at will and puts publishers under pressure to toe the line.
Home Ministry officials could not be reached for comment but said in a letter toMalaysiakini dated August 19 that "the ministry has decided not to consider" the permit application. No reasons were given.
A media watchdog, the Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ), criticised the decision as a violation of media freedom and said the licensing laws are open to abuse.
"It's a lot of power to give to one person and there is no accountability because the minister has absolute discretion and does not need to provide any reason to grant or deny a permit," CIJ executive officer Masjaliza Hamzah said.
"It points to a larger picture where the government is asserting its control on freedom of expression in Malaysia," she added.
Masjazliza cited recent cases including the detention of a cartoonist hours before the release of his new book which lampooned the government, and opposition media's difficulties in renewing their permits.
I don't care how incompetent PKR is!! It is still better than BN and UMNO oppressive force on normal Malaysians!
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