Asia-Pacific

Malaysia paper warned over religion rumor

(Agencies)
Updated: 2011-05-13 16:30

KUALA LUMPUR - Malaysia's government has issued a warning letter to the country's top Malay-language newspaper over an article alleging a Christian plot to supplant Islam as the official religion.

Opposition and ruling party politicians are calling for sterner action including suspending Utusan Malaysia or its editor for stoking ethnic and religious tensions.

Allegations by two political bloggers about a conspiracy by church leaders received little attention until Utusan reported it last Saturday. Christian leaders have slammed the accusation as a lie.

Opposition official Teresa Kok urged the government Friday to revoke Utusan's publication license to send a strong message against racial and religious provocation as Malaysia marks the 42nd anniversary of deadly race riots.