UTUSAN Malaysia and its owner Umno cried foul when the Education Ministry issued a directive on July 18 to its divisions, agencies, schools, universities, colleges and institutions to cease immediately subscriptions to the daily.
They even raised their concern for, lo and behold, press freedom because they insisted that the subscription cancellation was not only unfair, but also went against Pakatan Harapan (PH) government’s policy of openness towards differing views and ideas.
Umno leader and Bera MP Ismail Sabri Yaacob stepped in to remind PH not to be “fearful” of Utusan because the latter is now in Putrajaya and as such the newspaper would be fair in its reporting of the new government.
Such noble concern for press freedom is a bit rich coming from a daily that’s been dogged with defamation suits, and accusation of unfair reporting, racism and religious bigotry.
Was it not Utusan that tried to stoke the fire of fear and discord, especially among the Malays and Muslims, over, for example, the appointment of Tommy Thomas, a Christian and non-Malay to boot, as the new attorney-general?
Indeed, press freedom must come with responsibility – and to incite hatred and bigotry is not exactly the kind of freedom and responsibility we’re talking about.
Besides, it is not responsible journalism when you “grant” editorial space and fair reporting only after you have become the next government. The implied notion here is that, you get hammered and condemned for as long as you’re in the opposition.
As if not to be outdone, Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi cautioned the ministry that teachers and students would be deprived of supposedly important information and knowledge as a result of the cancellation.
The content of the daily leaves much to be desired, as suggested by the falling sales and readership as well as unsteady financial standing of the daily.
It was reported yesterday that its publisher Utusan Melayu (M) Sdn Bhd had defaulted on a RM2.9 million-loan from Affin Islamic Bank Berhad.
Thus, the ranting and raving of the Malay daily and its owner only camouflage the hard and bitter truth of Utusan experiencing financial haemorrhage over the years – primarily of its own doing.
It really is about ringgit and sen at this juncture of the ailing daily.
A newspaper worth its salt should proudly and boldly stand on its reputation as a credible and responsible media organisation that would attract the attention, and subsequently loyalty, of many readers who seek credible information and reliable views.
The migration of many readers from mainstream newspapers to news sites (that are perceived to be independent and critical), especially before the dawn of “New Malaysia”, should be instructive to those who still indulge in unfair and irresponsible journalism.
A daily that depends on state support while spewing bigotry and at times even defamatory remarks only alienates itself from right-thinking and concerned Malaysians. Consequently, it does not deserve taxpayers’ money – from both Malays and other ethnic groups – for its financial survival.
If cost-cutting measures are necessary in these critical moments of the new government, then it should seriously think of cancelling subscriptions of all newspapers beyond the Education Ministry. By doing so, the playing field is also levelled to a large extent.
By now, many of us would know the real reason why Utusan group executive chairperson Abd Aziz Sheik Fadzir is eager to meet up with the Education Ministry officials.
By now, Aziz and colleagues should also know that responsible, ethical and independent journalism is crucial to press freedom and democracy. – August 2, 2018.
* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.
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Comments
Posted 5 years ago by [email protected] · Reply
Posted 5 years ago by Geoff Kow · Reply
Posted 5 years ago by Xuz ZG · Reply
The decision by the Ministry of Education or any other Ministries is based on needs and merits!
Why should previous practices be carried on when times, technology and the way we do thIngs are fast changing?
It doesnt mean that if you had an arrangement previously to supply newspapers to any one or any ministry, the same should continue during the present admInIstratIon.
As I said technology is fast changing. We are already in a digital era.
Why pay for newspapers when we can subscribe media from online portals? Be it the Star, NST, BH or any media, this is the new way of media dissemination - fast & effIcIent.
If you are worried about income, ratIonalIse your exIstence & compete with the others in providing your service.
Just because the previous administration supported you, UM (for obvious reasons at that) it doesnt mean you can expect the same treatment today..
For a change, be competitive and compete on an even playing field, Utusan.
Make yourself relevant in todays environment.. otherworldly se you will quickly find your circulation numbers dwindling- just like NSTs!
Posted 5 years ago by Thiruchelvam Thirunavukarasu · Reply
Posted 5 years ago by Thiruchelvam Thirunavukarasu · Reply
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Posted 5 years ago by Francis Chang · Reply
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Posted 5 years ago by Roger 5201 · Reply