The Malaysian government banned the opposition's flagship newspapers March 23 for three months, an official said, igniting fears of a crackdown on press freedom amid mounting political tensions.

Opposition officials received letters from the Home Ministry suspending the publication licenses of the Harakah and Suara Keadilan through the end of June, said Tian Chua, an opposition People's Justice Party lawmaker.

"It's a sign that the government wants to make sure that the media are under their control during this important time," Chua said.

Opposition officials have said they expect a clampdown on anti-government criticism as Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak prepares to take over the premiership by early April in a bid to revive the National Front ruling coalition's flagging popularity.