I read two conflicting reports yesterday on the MCA takeover of Nanyang Siang Pau and the China Press . The latter reported that Sin Chew Jit Poh is also involved in the deal, but Sin Chew reported MCA president Dr Ling Liong Sik refuting that. Who is right and who is wrong? I think Tan Sri Tiong Hiew King, the owner of Sin Chew , must come out to clarify.

Tan Sri Tiong as the owner of Sin Chew is a rather good and liberal boss thus far. He is respected by the Chinese community. He has also many international businesses in the United States, Canada, China, Hong Kong, Cambodia, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea, including newspapers in Canada, Cambodia and Papua New Guinea.

So he should know that concentration or monopoly of media ownership is against international norms and is always viewed with suspicion by ordinary people and all kinds of power groups, including governments in Western countries.

If Sin Chew is involved in the MCA takeover, it is bad for his reputation and image worldwide. He will also lose his credibility in the Chinese community as a man who is above the political frays.

Sin Chew , too, would suffer in terms of credibility and integrity because the Chinese community will consider the Chinese daily as part of the immoral establishment. Until today, the newspaper is still highly regarded as fairly impartial and independent. But if it is not involved in the deal, then it is only right for Tan Sri Tiong to come out personally to deny it. If that is done, I am sure, he would be even more respected as an honourable man, and Sin Chew Jit Poh as a good Chinese newspaper.