Foreign magazine distribution delay in Malaysia

The distribution of two foreign news magazines in Malaysia has been delayed after Malaysian government censors said they were still examining their content.

Last week's edition of Asiaweek and the Far Eastern Economic Review, both of which carry stories about Malaysia, have yet to appear on news stands despite being available elsewhere in Southeast Asia.

The delay follows the government's increased scrutiny of the foreign media after the Prime Minister,Mahathir Mohammed, complained that a recent Asiaweek cover photograph made him look foolish and tired. The latest edition of Asiaweek carries a report of links between unidentified Malaysian businessmen and Islamic separatists in the southern Philippines, while the Far Eastern Economic Review has a report on opposition to Prime Minister Mahathir Mohammed from within his own ruling party.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service