Having followed the issue of the Nanyang Press Holdings purchase by MCA, I strongly believe that MCA has successfully informed the Chinese community that it is a sincere business deal.

However, was that the real intention behind the purchase? Only MCA can answer this, but whether we are convinced is another issue altogether.

I would like to ask the Chinese community this: Is being convinced of the business viability of the deal a vital issue here? Is the ability of Nanyang to generate good returns to MCA in future an important question?

I would say we have deviated far from one important question: i.e. whether Nanyang is able to maintain its editorial independence? Only the employees of Nanyang can answer this.

However, I strongly question the ability of Nanyang reporters to be independent should MCA remain in control; how many of us would actually dare to stand up and say our boss is wrong? History has proven that justice can be compromised when our bread and butter is involved.

Given a choice, I would suggest we have allow Nanyang staff to have a special vote to decide who will be their boss.