Aliran is appalled to learn that the Education Ministry has chosen to boycott three foreign publications: Far Eastern Economic Review, Asiaweek, and the International Herald Tribune, which is deems "overzealous" in their criticism of Malaysia.

Such a knee-jerk reaction does no credit to an institution that is closely associated with learning and intellectual enquiry. If anything, this unintelligent response sends the wrong signal to students and Malaysians in general: it implies that we should bury our heads in sand when confronted with intellectual challenges.

The boycott has wider repercussions in our society as well, particularly in educational institutions. Does this mean, for instance, that libraries in schools and universities would be prohibited from subscribing to these publications? If so, would it not affect the research projects of curious students and concerned academics?

We would have expected the Education Ministry to rationally rebut, with confidence and dignity, any criticism that it considers unfair and/or irresponsible in these foreign publications. Evading such criticism fuels the suspicion that there is some truth in the reports on Malaysia in these publications.

If biased reporting is indeed the reason for this boycott, then the Education Ministry should also assess the one-sided journalism that is so prevalent in the local media - especially after Anwar Ibrahim was sacked from the cabinet. It goes without saying that such unprofessionalism in the local media can also tarnish the country's reputation.

Finally, we urge the Education Ministry to reconsider its "overzealousness" in punishing these foreign publications.