The fall of BN in the 14th general election marked not just a change in government, but also a change in one of its key institutions, the national news agency Bernama.

Often viewed as a propaganda tool of the old government, Bernama has since had more freedom to report on news from both sides of the political divide following the May 9 election.

However, speculation that Federal Territories DAP political education director Wan Hamidi Hamid may take over as the agency's new CEO has raised concerns among some Bernama staff that this newfound neutrality may be stripped.

A journalist who has been with the agency for over 10 years, said Bernama has never been a neutral entity.

"Under the BN-Umno leadership, we wrote what they wanted us to write, and even covered unnecessary events that had little news value because someone with Umno influence told our editors to do so," the journalist told Malaysiakini on condition of anonymity.

The journalist claimed that while some editors continue to fear provoking the powers that be – even under the new Pakatan Harapan government – others are more open to approving news from the new opposition.

Could neutrality be jeopardized?

Another journalist with five years' experience in Bernama also noted the shift in editorial direction and is concerned that this could be reversed.

"We were more neutral after GE14. Before, we never gave much coverage to PAS, PKR or DAP. But now we can even cover BN (as the opposition) daily, even when its something against the government.

"So if Wan Hamidi is appointed as CEO, will we still be able to cover both sides?" the journalist said.

Wan Hamidi, who is the former editor-in-chief of DAP mouthpiece The Rocket, has neither confirmed nor denied speculation about his appointment which arose last week.

The news veteran, who began his career with Berita Harian in 1986, is expected to take over when present Bernama CEO Zulkefli Salleh (photo) retires in October.

While editorial control is supposed to rest with Bernama's editor-in-chief, the appointment of a political party member as CEO has raised concerns about potential meddling.

An editor, who has been with the agency for 20 years, believed it is unlikely that the status quo will remain.

"How objective can we be with a CEO who is definitely a political appointee?" the editor said.

Those Malaysiakini spoke to were not against outsiders being appointed as CEO, but would prefer a candidate who is not a political appointee.

Several sources also expressed a desire to see someone with corporate experience appointed as CEO.

"Bernama is in dire need of someone who can manage the finances well and bring in money," a source said.

Bernama has in the past had issues with its finances, particularly with its TV arm, now called Bernama News Channel.

'Give chance to prove himself'

However, not everyone is opposed to Wan Hamidi's potential appointment.

A high-ranking officer who declined to be named welcomed Wan Hamidi's appointment, saying it would put Bernama in "Harapan's good books."

"Bernama has been politicised all this while, so there's no such thing as Bernama being more politicised.

"Some of us feel that Bernama needs to be given priority (by the government). And with his vast experience in editorial, probably he could help drive Bernama editorial to another level," the officer said.

Likewise, a journalist with more than 10 years' experience that Malaysiakini spoke to was willing to give Wan Hamidi the benefit of the doubt.

"We know Wan Hamidi is pro-DAP, but it doesn't mean he is not fair and has no integrity. So if it has been decided that he'll be CEO, we have to give him a chance to prove himself," the journalist said.

The journalist added that it was important for editors and senior management in the news agency to stand up to political pressure, as Bernama's role should be to deliver news about government policies and programmes, not to promote any political parties.