Former New Straits Times group editor A Kadir Jasin believes that despite being owned by political parties, news media has the potential to be independent.
“Independence of the press does not rely solely on ownership.
“If editors have a backbone, they can ensure that despite being owned by political parties, they can practise the basic rules and ethics of journalism. I blame the editors,” he told the press after a meeting with the Council of Eminent Persons at Menara Ilham this afternoon.
Kadir, who now sits on the Bersatu supreme council, pointed out that there were no laws prohibiting political parties from owning news media.
Umno owns Utusan Malaysia and mastheads under the Media Prima banner including New Straits Times, Berita Harian and Harian Metro. MCA is the largest shareholder of The Star and Nanyang Siang Pau. MIC owns Tamil Nesan.
When pressed if legislation barring the political ownership of news media should exist, Kadir said the onus was on media practitioners to lobby for it.
“It is up to journalists...you have the right to petition your MPs about this.
“As it stands today, anyone can own newspapers,” he answered.
As part of its 14th general election manifesto, Pakatan Harapan had promised to revise laws regarding the media to ensure press freedom. - Mkini
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