No decision yet on new Bernama CEO - Gobind

Communications and Multimedia Minister Gobind Singh Deo said today that no decision has been made on the appointment of the new Bernama CEO.

“I will issue a statement. As I said before, we have not made a decision yet as we are in the process of considering a merger between the news sections of RTM and Bernama. 

“If a merger is to take place, then we will need a team that will be able to carry out the exercise. It is something quite large, it involves corporate restructuring, it involves us getting people together," he said.

“I have travelled to many countries and looked at the different models (of mergers) they have and, of course, I’m in the process of putting up a proposal to the cabinet.

"And once a decision is made on that, of course, we will decide on the CEO,” he said when approached by reporters after he had delivered his keynote address at the Digital Transformation Asia Forum.

The minister said the matter has been discussed with Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

Zulkefli Salleh retired as the Bernama CEO last month after completing an extended contract. The national news agency’s editor-in-chief Zakaria Abd Wahab is now the acting CEO.  

Gobind, when asked on the status of the dispute between MYTV Broadcasting Sdn Bhd (MYTV) and Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM), said the Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) will issue a solution statement soon.

“MCMC has been in discussion with MYTV and TM. I think MCMC will come up with a statement. It is looking for a solution. 

"I let MCMC deal with it and announce whatever solution. I was informed that a decision will be made and announced in a week or two.

“Talks have been going on. We have been able to identify the problem. We try how we can move ahead,” he said.

It was reported that MYTV claimed that its dispute with TM has caused the suspension of its broadcast in several states and, therefore, urged the MCMC to step in and help resolve the dispute. 

- Bernama