The government believes that a free and responsible media is essential to the proper functioning of the country's democratic system, said MCA president Dr Ling Liong Sik today.

In his speech during the opening ceremony of The Star 's new head office in Petaling Jaya, Ling said that the top-selling English daily must provide "reliable, responsible and balanced news" to play an influential role in the nation-building process.

He called on the newspaper to offer perspectives that are "Malaysian" and continue to portray the diversities, complexities and uniqueness of Malaysia's society.

"In this way you become a credible forum through which various issues are highlighted and debated. Through this, we can nurture a culture that cherishes criticisms and change," said the MCA chief, who is also transport minister.

The Star , the most profitable newspaper in the country, is owned by the Chinese-based party through its investment-arm, Huaren Holdings.

Huaren also controls two Chinese dailies, Nanyang Siang Pau and China Press , in a controversial takeover three months ago.

According to Ling, The Star - traditionally a print media - would be facing new challenges in the coming years.

"There is today an ever growing demand for unhindered access to information, data and news. Serious and in-depth reporting is needed to help corporate leaders and public officials make effective choices and decisions," he said.

The minister explained that technological advances have posed serious challenges to print media.

"There is competition from global and other media forms that offer speedier and more comprehensive coverage of news, documentaries and entertainment," Ling warned, adding that The Star needed to be alert and responsive to such developments.

Anniversary celebration

The minister later declared the official opening of The Star 's new 17-storey corporate head office, Menara Star, and launched the daily's 30th anniversary celebration.

Among those who were present at the ceremony were Inspector-General of Police Norian Mai, Star Publications chairperson Yong Ming Sang, managing director Steven Tan and a number of foreign diplomats.

According to Tan, the newspaper's achievements were due to its ability to be moderate in its stand.

"We're not like others who publish and be damned. We need not apologise for that," he added.

Tan also explained that Star Publications has embarked on a RM500 million expansion plan which includes state-of-the art printing plants in Bukit Jelutong, Shah Alam, and Bayan Lepas, Penang.

He said that the capital investment in The Star is a "vote of confidence" in the print media.

"The print media will continue to be relevant for many years to come," he said.

Form alliances

Tan added that The Star may explore the possibilities of an integrated media approach which incorporates other mediums such as radio and television in the future.

However, he said, the newspaper's priority for now is still in its core publishing activities.

The Star has an Internet portal which claimed 18 million page views per month.

Meanwhile, Ling stressed the need for the newspaper to go online and form alliances with other publications as the country moves into the information age.

He said that by forming alliances, the newspapers can pool their resources together.

"Anyone who isolates itself will be left behind," Ling said.

"Don't be surprised if Malaysia works with China and Hongkong newspapers to have a wider reach (of readers)."