BETHLEHEM (Ma'an) -- The Palestinian Authority communications minister intends to resign from Salam Fayyad's government, according to sources in Ramallah.

Fayyad was expected to accept Mashour Abu Daka's resignation Thursday, the sources said. A Palestinian Authority spokesman could not confirm Fayyad's position.

In his letter of resignation, seen by Ma'an, the minister said Fayyad's government had already resigned. He called the decision personal and "necessary to put an end to the waiting."

The minister said it had been "a great privilege" to serve in the cabinet.

The precise timing of the minister's decision was not immediately clear. It may be part of a wider government shuffle that has been rumored for weeks.

News of Abu Daka's resignation comes days after he publicly condemned a secretive Palestinian Authority initiative to censor opposition websites.

Like other concerned officials, Abu Daka blamed the order on attorney-general Ahmad al-Mughni, who he said had "made up his own laws" to justify it.

Abu Daka will leave his post effective May 1, the officials believe. He intends to retire from public service and devote time to his own business, they said.

Abu Daka declined to comment.