Gov't orders GLCs to buy more ads on Utusan, BH

The government has instructed top government-linked companies (GLC) to advertise more in Malay language newspapers particularly Umno-owned Utusan Malaysia and Berita Harian.

Deputy Finance Minister Ahmad Maslan said he has written several letters to the chairpersons of the GLCs to spend more of their advertisement budget in the said newspapers.

"They must take into account the struggle of Utusan Malaysiaand Berita Harian for this country.

"If they advertise so little in these newspapers, then their struggle for the country will be impeded," he told a press conference after attending a Deepavali celebration in Gombak this afternoon.

He pointed out that to date, out of the combined advertising budget of the 35 top GLCs in the country, only a meagre 3.7 percent went to Utusan.

"We are not asking for a majority of the budget, but this is too little.... Do not overspend on English and Chinese newspapers. 

"Advertise according to proportion, be fair. I have written letters to ensure the appropriate action is taken to increase advertising in Malay newspapers," he said.

Bumi empowerment not to marginalise 

Earlier during his speech, Ahmad assured that all communities will be taken care of and said that the Bumiputera Economic Empowerment programme that Prime Minister Najib Razak announced this year, should not be misunderstood by other communities.

"It is not intended to marginalise other races. Bumiputera in the country make up 68 percent of the population, which is two thirds.

"If the economic situation of the bumiputera is improved, then Malaysia will also improve and other races will benefit from it," he said.

The Deepavali event today (above) was organised by the New Indian Welfare and Charity Association (Perinnbam).

Perinnbam and the New Era Chinese Association (Percisma) in July joined hands with Perkasa to form what they call an interracial coalition. 

Both Perkasa chief Ibrahim Ali and Percisma chief Andy Choy were present at the event.