(AFP) An opposition party expressed alarm today about greater "political ownership" of Malaysia's mainstream media following reports of a possible takeover of two Chinese dailies.

"One of the factors undermining a free, independent and responsible press is the political ownership of the media in the country, which has already become too rampant ..." the Democratic Action Party (DAP) said in a memorandum.

A DAP delegation presented the memorandum to the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia, which said it would investigate the matter.

The DAP is upset at a possible takeover of Nanyang Press Holdings, publishers of Nanyang Siang Pau and China Press , by Star Publications.

Star Publications, which publishes a mass-selling English tabloid, is controlled through Huaren Holdings by the Malaysian Chinese Association - the second largest political party in the ruling coalition.

Both parties say they are considering a deal but no firm agreement has been reached.

The DAP urged the rights commission to investigate whether the possible deal would further threaten press freedom.

Interests which are close to the ruling United Malays National Organisation control the New Straits Times and its sister paper, the Malay-language Berita Harian .

The mainstream media follows a pro-government line, although opposition statements are published in newspapers.

However, the Chinese media has traditionally taken a more independent line than the English and Malay-language press.