COMMENT | Eradicate middlemen for cheaper services

COMMENT | In 1977, there was an exodus of senior journalists from the New Straits Times. A dozen or more moved to the then-fledgling The Star, which had moved its headquarters from Penang to Petaling Jaya.

The sub-editors’ desk was almost empty and reporters were moved to assist, but the newspapers needed experienced hands, especially since this was the time it was transitioning to computerisation.

It was then decided that they would recruit experienced sub-editors from India and Sri Lanka. Advertisements were placed in newspapers in these two countries and a few thousand applications were received.

Two editors flew to Colombo and then to Bombay for face-to-face interviews with the shortlisted candidates. A month later, two each from these countries arrived.

Work permits were...