Group urges PM to stop Nanyang takeover by MCA
The National Committee Against MCA Takeover of Nanyang Press (NCAMT), in its open letter to the premier, said the Chinese community generally believes that it is not a straightforward business deal.
"We have reason to believe that the MCA top leadership has its own selfish agenda to fulfill in bulldozing through the deal," said Ngan Ching Wen, the organising chairperson.
The NCAMT was formed yesterday in the emergency meeting attended by the leaders and representatives of more than 250 Chinese organisations.
The committee handed the open letter over to an assistant of Hashim Makaruddin, the prime minister's special officer, in Putrajaya this afternoon.
Ngan, who is also the president of the Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall, claimed that MCA's agenda was partly brought on by the party chief's ire with Chinese media reports on the RM20 million Chang Ming Thien Fund that was set up to provide scholarships for needy Chinese students.
A scandal erupted last year when it was revealed that no student had benefitted from the fund for 20 years. The fund was managed by MCA leaders who served on its board of trustees.
"Some top leaders were infuriated when the Chinese community and MCA grassroots called for accountability. Through the office of the Deputy Home Minister, the MCA top leaders ordered a blackout of this reportage," added Ngan.
He stressed that these very same leaders also became angry when questions were raised by the community on why RM10 million worth of donations raised by MCA for Japanese Encephalitis-hit pig farmers were not all given out to the victims.
"We do not think the MCA, which already controls The Star - the biggest-selling English daily - should own additional newspapers," added Ngan, explaining that the party's voice could be channelled through The Star or, since it has four ministers in the premier's cabinet, heard in the government.
People's voices
Ngan said the Chinese media has played a vital role in swinging Chinese support for the Barisan Nasional government in the 1990 and 1995 general elections, both of which saw a handsome win for the BN coalition.
He added that nonetheless, the Chinese community rely heavily on the Chinese media to air their views - whether in support of or against government policies - hence they fear that an MCA-controlled media could be directed to cut off the community's views should they clash with those of MCA.
"The Chinese community could not rely on the English and Malay papers to reflect their views, as in the past they had tended to misunderstand or misinterpret issues affecting the Chinese," he said.
Ngan emphasised that while reports on people's voices "may not be music to the government's ear" at times, they reflect "valuable grassroots views and aspirations".
"In a democracy like Malaysia, this is a healthy sign as it provides some space for the people to articulate their views. Additionally, it helps to correct some ill-conceived policies formulated on wrong presumptions," he said.
On top of that, Ngan added, the image of the government will also be enhanced if it is seen to support the people's right to be heard in the media.
"The government looks good and popular if it allows its people to enjoy some freedom of expression and stops media monopoly."
High price
Ngan said the Chinese Malaysian community have reservations of the MCA president's assurance not to interfere the management of the newspapers under Nanyang Press, namely Nanyang Siang Pau and China Press.
He said the experience of many journalists working for The Star and the MCA's takeover of Thung Pau (renamed Tong Bao) in the 1980s speak volumes.
He added that readers abandoned Tong Bao in the 1990s after it was turned into a party organ.
"The paper's pre-acquisition circulation of 100,000 plunged to a mere 10,000 to 20,000 just before it folded. Profit-making Tong Bao incurred heavy losses after MCA's incessant intervention. We do not want history to repeat itself," he said.
He added that despite the popular call by the Chinese associations and internal opposition leaders for MCA to forgo the deal, the party president has been adamant in going ahead with it.
"If MCA does not heed the popular call to abandon the deal, we are forced to predict that the party will have to pay a very high price in the next general election.
"The Chinese community will abandon MCA if the party chooses to ignore the views of the very community it claims to represent.
"The strong Chinese support for the MCA in the 1999 election may not be repeated in the next election. Additionally, we fear that a hate-MCA campaign may develop from here," said Ngan.
He pointed out in the letter to the premier that the last thing Malaysia needs is another grave political issue that stirs up dissent.
"We believe you, as Prime Minister and head of BN, with foresight, could use your good office to persuade MCA leader Dr Ling Liong Sik to withdraw from this media takeover exercise," said Ngan.
Boycott 32
Meanwhile, the Committee Against Takeover of Nanyang Press by MCA (CAT) called upon Malaysians to boycott the 32 MCA central committee members who supported the takeover scheme.
"First, the public can stop inviting them to attend, officiate or even participate in any function; Second, boycott any function organised, officiated and attended by them; and third, reject them in the next general election," urged CAT in its statement.
CAT said although MCA had approved the deal, it is not sealed yet as the decision is not irreversible.
