New Straits Times
From Free net encyclopedia
The New Straits Times is a Malaysian English language newspaper. It is Malaysia's oldest newspaper, having been founded as The Straits Times in 1845, and it served as Malaysia's only broadsheet format English language newspaper, although a tabloid version first rolled off the presses in September 2004. Since April 18, 2005, the it is published entirely in tabloid size, ending a 160-year-old tradition. The New Straits Times currently retails at 1.20 Ringgit (~32 USD cents).
The New Straits Times is printed by the News Straits Times Press, which also produces the English language afternoon newspaper, the Malay Mail, as well as assorted Malay language newspapers, most notably the Berita Harian. The New Straits Times is part of Media Prima group of companies.
The paper was originally founded as the Straits Times and covered all of what was then British Malaya, and Singapore, where it was based. This continued when Singapore became part of Malaysia in 1963, but upon its departure from the Federation in 1965, a separate title covering Malaysia, the New Straits Times, was established, whilst The Straits Times has continued publication in Singapore. Owing to political sensitivities, newspapers from one country cannot be sold in the other, hence the Straits Times is not sold in Malaysia, and the New Straits Times is not sold in Singapore.
Its circulation is approximately 200,000 readers daily, limited compared to its main rival, The Star. However, it is the paper of choice for English speaking intellectuals and civil servants as it, unlike the Star, possesses an editorial column in which the newspaper's editor, journalists and intellectuals from outside contribute articles on the state of the country. Compared to other countries, the debate is insipid, but by Malaysian standards it is lively enough. Because of this reputation, it is considered to be Malaysia's premier English language paper.
Contents |
Political control
The New Straits Times has been accused of serving as a propaganda tool for the government and its proxy owner, the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO). One critic has claimed that the newspaper "is now nothing more than an UMNO Newsletter." <ref>Merican, Din & Musa, M. Bakri (2006). "The Bold and The Predictable - Exchanges with Din Merican". Retrieved March 13, 2006.</ref> Though publicly listed on the Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange, the ruling Malaysian political party UMNO holds a golden vote and decides all policies, and the newspaper has a tradition of appointing editors sympathetic to the government of the day. Template:Fact Its last editor, Abdullah Ahmad (not to be confused with the prime minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi) was sacked shortly after the retirement of former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad. The public reason given was that he had written an article which offended Saudi authorities (Saudi Arabia is one of Malaysia's close allies), but it has been claimed that he was felt to be biased towards Mahathir and against Najib (currently Malaysia's Deputy Prime Minister), although a few months before Mahathir resigned he attempted to change loyalties in an abrupt about-face to suit the new political climate. Template:Fact
Rehman Rashid, a noted intellectual famous for his scathing wit has been reinstated as associate Editor, having been fired from the paper in May 2003 for refusing to ghostwrite for the aforementioned Abdullah Ahmad. The former Group Editor in Chief of the NST was Datuk Kalimullah Hassan, who insisted that his would be the last appointment to the position to be made directly by politicians. Despite the common perception that he is pro-Government, Kalimullah was a popular editor as he took a very hands-on approach to his job, even writing some front page articles. However, he is also accused of being overly sycophantic to his political masters and intolerant of those who do not share his views. He continues to participate in the paper's workings in an advisory capacity. Kalimullah appointed his successor, Datuk Hishamuddin Aun, in late 2005. Template:Fact
The group editor is Brendan Pereira and the executive editors are Kamrul Idris Zulkifli, Saiful Azhar Abdullah, Lim Thow Boon, Rajan Moses and P'ng Hong Kwang.
Business Times
The paper has for some years incorporated the Business Times, expanding its business section and increasing its appeal among businessmen.
Property Times
First published in May 1995, the Property Times is a pull-out section in the New Straits Times, every Saturday. It focuses on introducing the property market and home decoration tips.
Notes and references
<references/>