A group of minority shareholders has urged the key owner of Nanyang Press Holdings Berhad (NPHB) not to "relinquish control" of two Chinese-language newspapers to a "Chinese-based Barisan Nasional component party".

"Once a media group is controlled by a political party or by interests connected to a political party; its role of check and balance mechanism for the people will cease absolutely," said the group, in a letter sent to NPHB executive chairperson Quek Leng Chan today.

"Giving Nanyang over to vested political interest is giving the future of the nation away," they added.

Recently, MCA, through Star Publications, was reported to be seeking acquisition of Nanyang, which publishes two major dailies - the Nanyang Siang Pau and the China Press . Star Publications publishes the top-selling English daily The Star .

At present, Sin Chew Jit Poh has the largest circulation among Chinese dailies, followed by China Press and

Nanyang Siang Pau . According to 1999 statistics, Sin Chew Jit Poh has a circulation of 289,514, followed by China Press with 204, 225 and Nanyang 177, 824.

When news of the proposed takeover bid hit the streets, many voiced their disapproval and claimed that MCA was attempting to expand its propaganda machinery since the party was said to be suffering a popularity crisis.

Some claimed that MCA was also seeking to clamp down on dissenting views of its party leadership as Nanyang was perceived to be critical of MCA president Ling Liong Sik.

However, Ling, who is also transport minister, was reported to have termed the takeover bid as a "business deal".

Press freedom at stake

The Nanyang shareholders said they were concerned with the impact of the move on their investments and shocked by the possibility of the demise of press freedom in Malaysia, should the exercise be allowed to succeed.

Without press freedom, they said, the rights of individuals, businesses and organisations will be subject to manipulation and exploitation.

"If a country's media is monopolised, and its citizens only receive information deemed appropriate, one can be certain Malaysia will join the ranks of other 'banana republics' in the world," said the group, who claimed they represented concerned Malaysians and small investors.

The letter, which was obtained by malaysiakini , said that Nanyang was a valuable media enterprise, had served society for almost eight decades and played a major role in helping the Chinese community to become more self-reliant.

"This role will be destroyed forever and along with it, a key mechanism for social cohesion will pass away," said the shareholders, adding that the newspaper had raised some RM180 million to support the Chinese education system in the country.

The group urged Quek to look beyond pure business and personal preference, consider the well-being and future of all Malaysians as well as look at society's interest.

"By doing this (not selling Nanyang) you help assure the future of millions; a future of promise rather than one sidelined by the power and collusion of irresponsible business and ambitious politicians," they said.

Put service before business

The group urged Quek to strengthen the media group to help Malaysians cope with the challenges of the 21st century.

"Sir, as a key player in Malaysian business, you are well aware of the social responsibility and implications of the group's business activities to society," the group told Quek.

"Many look to your leadership to safeguard their interest. We appeal to you to put service before business while you consider your decision," they added.

Meanwhile, DAP national chairperson Lim Kit Siang called for transparency both by the government and Nanyang on the process of negotiation for any MCA takeover.

However, he lamented the increasing control of the media by political parties.

"In the interest of ensuring an independent press, the government should work towards dilution and reduction of political party ownership of the mass media," he said in a press statement.