Mat Hasan: Umno is working to resolve Utusan's problems

Umno is working to resolve the problems faced by its debt-stricken mouthpiece Utusan Malaysia.

"Umno is working to resolve Utusan's problems," acting Umno president Mohamad Hasan told Malaysiakini in a brief text message.

Yesterday, DAP veteran Lim Kit Siang called on Umno to sort outUtusan's financial mess.

On Monday, Utusan staff had called for the return of former Kulim Bandar Baru MP Abdul Aziz Sheikh Fadzir, after he abruptly resigned as the newspaper's chairperson, citing personal business commitments.

His resignation was announced to Bursa Malaysia on Dec 13.

Last week, the company also defaulted on its first payment to around 700 staff members who had opted for a voluntary separation scheme.

In recent years, Utusan suffered from declining circulation, but was artificially propped up through advertisements from GLCs.

However, this ended after BN and Umno were defeated in the May 9 general election. - Mkini