Disillusioned by the ethical standards of his erstwhile employer Utusan Melayu (M) Bhd, embattled National Union of Journalists (NUJ) chief Hata Wahari plans to set up a newspaper of his own.

"It won't be a political paper. I want to build a paper that is truly independent, ethical and professional," Hata told Malaysiakini when contacted.

NONE As proof of his commitment to the cause, Hata ( right ) revealed that he has sold off five hectares of family land in Mentakab, Pahang, formerly used to raise cattle, for RM1.2 million to finance the venture.

He also confirmed reports that he has approached various potential investors and partners, including PKR Lembah Pantai parliamentarian Nurul Izzah Anwar, on the idea.

Hata said he made the same presentation to Umno information chief Ahmad Maslan, via a letter.

“However, as Ahmad had not replied, I went on to meet with Nurul Izzah first,” he said.

   

Hata has planned a 14-page edition covering issues around Kuala Lumpur, Negri Sembilan and Perak, and expects to put it on news stands next month at RM1.20 per issue and RM10 a month subscription for its online version.

50,000-copy maiden print run

If his permit is granted, Hata plans to start with a maiden print run of 50,000 copies.

The start-off, he said, would be with the aid of family members working pro-bono .

Asked if he would lead the editorial team for the new paper, he said it would be impossible.

“I am still an Utusan journalist. I will only take charge of certain administrative aspects,” Hata said.

Elected late last year as NUJ president, Hata made press freedom his platform and has issued scathing remarks against his own employer, Umno-owned Utusan Malaysia , for going against journalism ethics and independence.

The senior journalist is currently embroiled in a domestic inquiry, accused of dragging his company's reputation through the mud.

Many, though, see the inquiry as a convenient excuse to drum the vocal union leader out of Utusan .

Hata is not the first Utusan journalist affiliated with the NUJ who has been hauled up, put through a domestic inquiry and sacked by the Malay-language daily.

Forrmer reporter Amran Ahmad, who was then chairperson of the NUJ- Utusan branch, had been given the same treatment in September last year when he reported the daily to the MACC for ‘lavish’ and unnecessary expenditures in several bureaux.