Media Prima chair: Suggestions of political interference 'unfounded'

Media Prima group chairperson Syed Hussain Aljunid has dismissed rumours of political interference in the appointment of newly minted New Straits Times (NST) group chief editor Farrah Naz Karim.

Syed Hussain labelled suggestions that Farrah’s appointment was political meddling as being “unfortunate” and “totally unfounded”.

“I want to deny categorically any suggestion that either the government or any political parties were involved in this or any other decision taken by Media Prima with regard to its business.

“For the record, Media Prima is neither owned nor does it report to any political parties whether in the manner suggested in recent news reports or otherwise,” he said in a statement today.

Syed Hussain claimed that the group’s substantial shareholder Johari Abdul Ghani, a former Titiwangsa MP, has a “phenomenal track record in turning around ailing businesses” - with the group posting eight consecutive quarters of profitability after performing badly around three years ago.

Yesterday, Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said that the government has never interfered in newsroom operations and will never do so.

The Umno vice-president, however, declined to comment on the alleged interference in Farrah’s appointment.

Malaysiakini understands that a petition signed by NST staff was handed to Ismail Sabri at an event in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

Appointment based on merit

Syed Hussain explained that editorial direction and “the pursuit of synergies to enhance the end-product” were constantly reviewed by the paper’s management under the supervision of its board of directors.

“These reviews are intended to grow visibility and readership of the NST, in the expectation that they will be the catalyst for sustained growth and profitability.

“Changes to personnel, especially at the executive end of our talent pyramid are an inevitable part of that review. These appointments are always done solely based on merit.

“It is on that basis that management has appointed Farrah as the NST’s new group editor,” he added.

Syed Hussain noted that Farrah has more than 20 years of experience in the newsroom.

On Tuesday, NST announced that the veteran journalist would be taking over from Ahmad Lokman Mansor as the publication’s group editor effective today.

The National Union of Journalists (NUJ) yesterday urged NST’s management to address all related concerns as it affects the integrity and reputation of the company with a 177-year-old history in newsprint.

Similarly, the press freedom group Gerakan Media Merdeka (Geramm) also urged NST’s management to provide space for discussion and engage with its staff on the matter.

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