Geramm calls for adequate space for press freedom in Malaysia

SHAH ALAM - The media’s role in a healthy democracy is to serve as an agent of check and balance and a force often feared by those in power.

Media advocacy group Gerakan Media Merdeka (Geramm) said it received several reports concerning the removal and appointment of English daily New Straits Times’ (NST) group editor.

The reports, according to Geramm raised concerns over political interference in the news desk.

It said this was a serious matter that needed to be looked into much further by all parties, particularly as the country was gearing up for the general election.

“As such, Geramm calls for adequate space to be given by the management for all views raised on a matter with impact on not only the newsroom and its staff, but also Malaysia's overall press freedom landscape.

“We stand in solidarity with every single media workers who continuously fight for press freedom.

“We also call upon all parties to support the effort of press workers in maintaining the independence of the newsroom,” it said in a statement, today.

Yesterday, the New Straits Times Press (NSTP) Bhd announced the appointment of Media Prima Television Networks Executive Producer for current affairs programmes Farrah Naz Karim as NST's group editor.

Her appointment will be effective tomorrow (Sept 15).

However, Farrah's appointment raised questions as to the fate of outgoing group editor Ahmad Lokman Mansor.

Online news portal The Vibes had earlier reported that Lokman's removal from his post was due to alleged interference by Umno bigwigs who were former second finance minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani and Umno Supreme Council member Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh.

The portal, quoting a source said the move to replace Lokman was allegedly mooted by Rauf, who is also a Melaka exco member.

It was reported that Rauf had purportedly spoken to Johari, who was the second largest shareholder of Media Prima Bhd, the parent company of the New Straits Times Press (NSTP) Bhd.

Johari was also believed to be the beneficial owner of FMT Media Sdn Bhd, the holding company of multilingual news portal Free Malaysia Today.

However, Rauf yesterday denied any involvement in the removal of Lokman from his post.

He told The Vibes that it was unfortunate that his name and reputation as a politician was being dragged into the issue, insisting that he was not involved in any way or form in the appointment and dismissal of key personnel in NST.