Zam confirms Utusan editor pushed out over 1MDB, RM2.6b stance

Former Utusan Malaysia group editor-in-chief Zainuddin Maidin has confirmed that the daily’s editor Ku Seman Ku Hussain was pressured to quit due to his views on the 1MDB and RM2.6 donation issue.

Zainuddin told Malaysiakini Ku Seman’s critical stance in questioning Umno’s integrity on the issue, and urging Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak to clarify the matter, was the main reason he was pushed to quit.

“I’m not sure what the specifics are but I understand Ku Seman’s critical stance on the PM in the 1MDB and RM2.6 billion issue is among the reasons.

“The chief editor felt he was no longer suitable for Utusan, and his writings were too critical against Umno and not aligned to the government to the extent that he was issued a warning letter from the chief editor’s department.

“His writings were also seen as pro-opposition,” Zainuddin, who is also former information minister, said when contacted.

Ku Seman resigned last Friday after 32 years of service at the Umno-owned daily.

Zainuddin said this was a reasonable decision given that Ku Seman no longer agreed with the paper’s editorial stance.

“It would be self-torture to remain,” he said.

Zainuddin said journalism, too, is not lacking in “political animals”, with journalists used for political interests.

“But it was different in the case of Ku Seman, he is a rarity.

“He is a top editor who is willing to make sacrifices for the sake of his principles, pushing aside the greed of current politicians,” he added. -Mkini