An editor of a newspaper in the east Malaysian state of Sarawak has resigned over its publication of the offending cartoons of the Prophet Mohammed on Saturday to illustrate a story about how the caricatures have sparked anger across the Muslim world.
Both the story and the cartoons were lifted from the internet and published without authorisation, officials of the Muslim-owned Sarawak Tribune said in a front-page apology on Sunday.
Editor-on-duty Lester Melanyi took full responsibility for what he referred to in his resignation letter as an 'oversight'. But media executives describe it as a 'damning public-relations disaster'.
The paper's group editor, Toman Mamora, has been asked by the Home Ministry to provide a written explanation. The ministry issues publishing permits at its sole discretion and constantly monitors all publications, frequently issuing warnings to keep newspapers in line.
It is strictly forbidden in Malaysia to publish any materials that may incite religious anger.
'I have to lie low for now,' said Mr Melanyi, a Christian, declining comment.