The New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has written a letter to MCA president Ling Liong Sik expressing its concern over the party's takeover of two Chinese dailies.

In the letter, CPJ executive director Ann K Cooper said that her organisation felt the acquisition could undermine the independence of the dailies published by Nanyang group, Nanyang Siang Pau and China Press.

Cooper added that while CPJ did not normally take positions on media ownership, this particular acquisition of the two dailies was "troubling".

"This is because MCA is the second largest political party in the ruling Barisan Nasional coalition, after Umno, led by Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad," said Cooper.

"We therefore urge the MCA to ensure that both newspapers retain their editorial independence as the acquisition has the potential to undermine the independence of these newspapers," she said.

On May 30, MCA acquired Nanyang Press Holdings from tycoon Quek Leng Chan, in a controversial RM230 million deal that went ahead despite strong public objections.

Groups opposing the takeover have called on the Chinese community to stop buying or advertising in the two newly-owned MCA papers until the party divests its entire stake in Nanyang.

Independent voices

Cooper said that virtually all mainstream newspapers in Malaysia were owned or controlled by parties aligned with the BN.

The MCA, through Huaren Holdings owns The Star, Malaysia's largest-circulation English language daily. Meanwhile, Umno controls Malay dailies Utusan Malaysia and Berita Harian, and another English daily, the New Straits Times.

"By taking control of these papers, the MCA is further consolidating state control over the press and threatening the only two independent voices that remain in the Malaysian mainstream media," said Cooper.

She said CPJ is also disturbed by the sacking of a number of key personnel at the two publications since the takeover, including nine high-ranking editors and executives.

Non-partisan

"Some of these positions have been filled by known MCA supporters. And while MCA has announced that the personnel changes were made purely for business reasons, well-informed local sources believe otherwise," she said.

She added that as a non-partisan organisation of journalists dedicated to the defence of press freedom around the world, CPJ urged the MCA to ensure the continued editorial independence of Nanyang Siang Pau and China Press.

"Journalists must have the ability to report and publish free of government interference in order for true democracy to exist in Malaysia," she said.

Copies of CPJ's letter was also sent to Mahathir, Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, Information Minister Mohamad Khalil Yaakob and 28 other international journalists organisations including Reporters Sans Frontires, Southeast Asian Press Alliance, World Association of Newspapers and International Press Institute.