The letter gave no reason, said Rajan. Makkal Osai was not published Thursday.

"It's mostly because of the issues we covered. We go more on social issues. That has caused some kind of anger to the ministry," he told The Associated Press.

Home Minister Syed Hamid Albar said the title broke the guidelines but did not elaborate, according to an anonymous source.

Rajan said the daily gave "wide coverage" to opposition rallies and activists who against racial discrimination in this Muslim Malay-majority country.

The paper has received run-ins from authorities several times. Earlier this year, it received a "small reminder" to tone down its coverage of the Indian protest movement. Last year, it was told to suspend publication for a month after printing a picture of Jesus Christ holding a cigarette.

Rajan said Makkal Osai would appeal to the ministry to reconsider its decision, and that the title would be more careful if the operating license was renewed, according to the AP article posted by MediaInfoCenter.