Former Utusan Malaysia editor Ku Seman Ku Hussein today stressed that journalists are not merely reporters, nor are they overt lobbyists.

Ku Seman, in his last column in Utusan’s Sunday version Mingguan Malaysia said a journalist’s obligation is to help society to think rationally.

“Clearly journalists aren’t just reporters or overt lobbyists. Neither are journalists pamphlet writers.

"The role of the journalists is bigger - as the person who would help society to think rationally at times when society may not have the time to think.

“This is what I have learnt from the tragedies (political upheavals) of this country,” he wrote in the column.

The veteran journalist resigned from Utusan after 32 years of service last Friday, following claims that his writings were found unpalatable by those in power.

He was reportedly also instructed to transfer to another department at the Umno-owned daily, but he refused.

In his parting column today, he urged Utusan journalists to report with the aim of freeing the mind of the readers.

“We must answer the questions on people’s minds. Only a society of independent minds can lead to a stable political system and peace,” he said.

He said these are lessons he learnt reporting on key events like the Memali, Kedah incident in 1986 and the political duel between Umno stalwarts Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah in 1987 which led to the de-registration of Umno.

Mahathir also temporarily lost his prime minister post as a result.

Covering the constitutional crisis when the government moved to curb royal powers in 1992 and the sacking of deputy premier Anwar Ibrahim in 1998 which led to deep rifts in the country were also eye-opening, experiences he said.

“These are among fragments of periods which were very challenging for journalists in this country.

“ Utusan shaped me to look at the world and at other people in different perspectives, critically, analytically, and to read the semiotics which may be hidden from the naked eye,” he said.

Duo challenged to debate

Last August the Mingguan Malaysia senior editor reportedly challenged two Umno leaders, whom he referred to as “Umno warriors”, to debate him.

They are Communications and Multimedia Minister Salleh Said Keruak and Prime Minister’s Department Special Affairs Department (Jasa) director Mohd Puad Zarkashi.

In his blog kayangdailypost.blogspot.com , Ku Seman said the debate will be to clarify fundamental issues surrounding the RM2.6 billion donation received by the Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak.