The Chinese newspapers and online media broke the news. The authority has ordered the popular Chinese affairs “Ai, Start Speaking without hindrances” to be taken off the air from the government-owned radio station, AiFM.

I am a regular listener as the programme is on current soc-culture and even political issues and allows listeners to call in to voice their opinions on a selected hot topic.

Last month, I blogged that 100 percent of the listeners called in to object the government’s decision to allow Tenaga Nasional to raise the electricity tariff.

Among topics discussed over the air included the Mahathir’s criticism against the Prime Minister, the scenic bridge, Chinese education and issues closed to the hearts of the Chinese community.

I found the interactive session very helpful as it gives me an insight to the views of the Chinese community on current affairs. The air is usually opened for 30 minutes to allow listeners to call in or SMS their comments. Although only about 10 listeners could air their views each session, it nevertheless represents grassroots’ feelings.

I found very bold remarks uttered in the programme and some took the government or certain politicians to task for their failure in addressing certain problems faced by the community.

Last Friday’s session on the reduction in the size of classes in Chinese primary schools was emotional with one lady caller closed to tear when talking about problems in Chinese primary schools.

I was taken aback when the host also echoed similar sentiment and even made a remark that would land him into trouble.

I am not surprised that the higher up finally decided that they have had enough of these “nonsense” over a government radio station.

So much about new liberalism and freedom in the Abdullah Administration. When it matters most, the government will never failed to act. The higher up are watching, be aware.