DAP’s The Rocket was not spared by the Home Ministry in the ongoing crackdown on party organs of opposition parties.

Two Home Ministry officials visited the DAP headquarters in Petaling Jaya this afternoon and handed two show-cause letters to Rocket’s Chinese-language editor.

NONE The letters - one for the English edition while the other for the Chinese edition - asked the party organ to explain within seven days why it continues publishing the two versions although their publication permits have expired.

Should the explanation be rejected by the powerful ministry, The Rocket could face suspension.

Malaysiakini

understands that the permit for the English version of the DAP mouthpiece expired last month, whereas the licences for the Malay- and Chinese-language editions respectively expired in September and November last year.

It is unclear what fate is in store for the Rocket's Malay edition.

Official statement tomorrow

When contacted by Malaysiakini earlier, DAP publicity secretary Tony Pua said the party's application to renew its permit had already been submitted to the Home Ministry.

According to him, the ministry is often late in informing the party of its decision, forcing DAP to use the old permit number on The Rocket's new edition.

Two other opposition party organs have run into trouble, with PKR’s Suara Keadilan being suspended last week, while PAS’ Harakah is being issued two show-cause letters.

Efforts to reach DAP leaders for comments were unsuccessful.

"DAP will make an official statement on 'letter' from KDN (Home Ministry) tomorrow," said Pua in a tweet message. 

Harakah gets second show-cause letter