KUALA LUMPUR • Two top editors of The Star newspaper have been suspended pending investigation and inquiry into the Malaysian paper's front page on May 27, which caused a controversy.

Editor-in-chief Leanne Goh Lee Yen and executive editor Dorairaj Nadason will cease to function in their respective roles until further notice, the country's biggest-selling English newspaper said yesterday.

The duo have been suspended from their duties and an investigation into the matter will be conducted soon.

Malaysia's Home Ministry on Monday gave the daily seven days to respond to a "show cause" letter issued over what it deemed an inappropriate front page published on Saturday, although the paper had apologised over the issue on Sunday.

The page featured a story headlined "Malaysian terrorist leader", while below it there was a large picture of Muslims praying during the first evening of the fasting month.

Individuals have lodged police reports against the newspaper for the front page layout.

The Home Ministry's secretary- general, Datuk Seri Alwi Ibrahim, said the publication must explain why action should not be taken against it. He said the page was done in poor taste and had portrayed Islam in a bad light.

The Star is owned by the Malaysian Chinese Association, a component party of Malaysia's governing Barisan Nasional coalition.

Star Media Group managing director and chief executive officer Wong Chun Wai will oversee editorial operations during this period, the daily said yesterday.

The editors involved and the Star Media Group will cooperate fully with the relevant authorities in investigating the issue, especially the Home Ministry and the police.