InternetMalaysia ban on anti-government website draws outcry (Reuters)

Reuters - Malaysia has pulled the plug on a popular news portal often critical of the government, sparking protests from a resurgent opposition.

KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) - Malaysia has pulled the plug on a popular news portal often critical of the government, sparking protests from a resurgent opposition. Malaysia's telecoms watchdog ordered internet providers to block access to Malaysia Today (www.malaysia-today.net) website because it posted comments that could incite the country's multi-racial society, a government official said on Friday. Home (Interior) Minister Syed Hamid said Malaysia Today's editor Raja Petra Kamaruddin had ignored warnings from the watchdog to abide by the law. "We do not intend to curtail people's freedom or right to express themselves. Everyone is subjected to the law, even websites and blogs," the Star newspaper on Friday quoted him as saying. It is believed to be the first time such curbs have been used against a non-pornographic website. Malaysians have been flocking to the Internet for independent news as an alternative to tightly controlled mainstream media. The ruling came as Anwar Ibrahim was sworn in on Thursday as a member of parliament and took his seat as the new opposition leader. His return following an enforced 10-year absence could curtail the government's ability... [ Read more on www.yahoo.com ]

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InternetNew Beta of Internet Explorer 8 Ready for Download (NewsFactor)

NewsFactor - The second beta release of Internet Explorer 8 is now available for download by developers and consumers alike on Windows-based PCs running Vista, XP, Server 2003 and Server 2008.