The mainstream press is abuzz, and rightly so, with the latest news of the Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA), through its investment arm Huaren Holdings, selling off 21 per cent of its 41 per cent stake in Nanyang Press (M) Bhd.
Ezywood Options Sdn. Bhd., one of whose directors is media baron Tiong Hiew King, is expected to buy this Huaren stake, sparking uproar within the Chinese community and beyond. Many have expressed grave concern over the further concentration of media ownership particularly in the Chinese press industry.
Such concentration of ownership means that the range of opinion expressed within the Chinese press has been further constrained. But more than that, this set of views is likely to reflect the philosophy or political ideology of those who own the press.
The cumulative effect is that Malaysians, particularly the Chinese community, are witnessing a steady erosion of their democratic right to a broad range of information, dissenting views and perspectives on the crucial issues of the day.
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Our voluntary writers work hard to keep these articles free for all to read. But we do need funds to support our struggle for Justice, Freedom and Solidarity. To maintain our editorial independence, we do not carry any advertisements; nor do we accept funding from dubious sources. If everyone reading this was to make a donation, our fundraising target for the year would be achieved within a week. So please consider making a donation to Persatuan Aliran Kesedaran Negara, CIMB Bank account number 8004240948.