Global media watchdog Reporters Without Borders has accused the Thai government of using strict laws protecting the monarchy from insults to suppress dissenting voices on the Internet.

Thailand`s communications minister last month said the government was considering spending millions of dollars on a firewall to block websites it deemed insulting to the deeply-revered royal family.

Global media watchdog Reporters Without Borders has accused the Thai government of using strict laws protecting the monarchy from insults to suppress dissenting voices on the Internet.

Thailand`s communications minister last month said the government was considering spending millions of dollars on a firewall to block websites it deemed insulting to the deeply-revered royal family.

BANGKOK, Sept 25, 2007 (AFP) - Media freedom groups on Tuesday called on Myanmar's junta not to obstruct journalists who are covering or joining huge protests against their rule in the military-ruled nation.

The Bangkok-based Southeast Asian Press Alliance (SEAPA) said the junta had summoned reporters from local publications and warned them against joining protests, which saw about 100,000 people march in Yangon both on Monday and Tuesday.

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 25, 2007 (AFP) - The Malaysian government's decision to temporarily shut down a newspaper for printing a picture of Jesus smoking is a blow for free speech, opposition leaders and a media watchdog said Saturday.

Malaysia's Internal Security Ministry on Friday ordered the Makkal Osai daily to stop publishing for one month after a picture appeared this week showing Jesus Christ clutching a cigarette and what appeared to be a beer can.

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 8, 2007 (AFP) - Malaysian authorities are investigating the YouTube video of a student rapping to the national anthem using allegedly seditious lyrics, the Straits Times reported Wednesday citing officials.

Nearly half a million people have already watched the six-minute video by Namewee, a 24-year-old Malaysian student at Taiwan's Ming Chuan University, a log on the popular video sharing site showed.

In the intro to the video, which shows a Malaysian flag in the background, Namewee dedicates the song to 'all Malaysians, specially the government.'