KUALA LUMPUR: The New Straits Times (NST) which turned 175 this year earned the plaudits of no less than Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
He said the success of NST to remain relevant for 175 years was an achievement to be proud of.
Muhyiddin said this was more so when the media business proved to be quite challenging not only in Malaysia but also globally.
"I believe this success is the result of the determination of NST's staff, past and present, in bringing the latest and most relevant news to the community.
"This pinnacle of 175 years cannot be achieved without public trust in the credibility of NST's content since 1845.
"Congratulations to all NST staff on this achievement," he said when launching an exhibition held in conjunction with the newspaper's 175th anniversary themed 'Traversing 175' at Galeri Prima, Balai Berita here tonight.
Also present were Media Prima Bhd (MPB) group chairman Datuk Syed Hussian Aljunid, group managing director Datuk Iskandar Mizal Mahmood, MPB news and editorial operations executive director and New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd interim chief executive officer Mustapha Kamil Mohd Janor, and NST group editor Ahmad Lokman Mansor.
Muhyiddin said organisations such as NST played an important role not just in reporting the news, but as an archive or a "resource centre" that records the country's history.
"I believe this historical archive through the lens of journalism that is now managed by Media Prima, is very valuable as it can provide storytelling and a perspective which at the time may not be available from other sources.
"It is my great hope that this archive will always be preserved for future generations."
The NST's 175th Anniversary Exhibition coincides with the contribution and role played by the English daily, he said, in developing the country together with the government through articles that explain government policies, foster a spirit of tolerance and unity among a multi-racial and multi-religious community.
He said this spirit must continue to be inculcated and enhanced especially during the National Month.
"It is my hope that the NST will always be the foremost English-language newspaper and remains as the source of reference for everyone, not just in Malaysia but the whole world - when the world wants to know about Malaysia.
"I still remember how NST was the main reading material for all foreign embassies and missions and was always there at the offices of the Foreign Ministry in the United States, UK and other countries in those years."
In his speech, Muhyiddin paid tribute to veteran newsmen, including the late Tan Sri Abdul Samad Ismail or Pak Samad, and the late Datuk Ahmad A. Talib.
"These strong characters and some of the country's very best journalistic writers are media icons who were part of NST's illustrious history and turned the newspaper into a venerable institution.
"I believe that our society in general can evaluate on their own, the truthfulness of news that is published or made viral on social media, with the presence of mainstream media like NST to act as a reference point."
Muhyiddin hoped NST and Media Prima would continue to organise activities such as the NST's 175th Anniversary Exhibition, which he believed would be able to enhance patriotism and inculcate a deep sense of unity amongst all Malaysians.
"I believe with efforts of all media platforms under the Media Prima group, the spirit of 'Malaysia Prihatin', which is the theme of this year's National Day and Malaysia Day, will be appreciated by all Malaysians.
"I pray that Media Prima will continue to contribute and play an important role in the socio-economic and cultural development of this beloved nation of ours, God Willing."
Muhyiddin also recorded his appreciation to all media personnel who had worked tirelessly to report the news while facing the risks of the Covid-19 outbreak.
He said the Covid-19 pandemic was a new experience that
was both hard and very challenging, not just for Malaysia but the world, and its impact has altered the global socio-economic landscape and affected the lives of everyone.
"At this juncture, I would like to record my utmost appreciation to all media personnel who have been doing daunting tasks despite the risks they face to be on the frontlines in order to deliver the latest and accurate updates to all Malaysians.
"We are not just dealing with the Covid-19 threat which cannot be detected nor seen with the naked eye - this situation is made worse with the spread of fake news by some irresponsible quarters.
"My appreciation and gratitude to all our media personnel, including those from Media Prima, for playing their parts and roles in channeling nothing but the latest news that are precise and truthful about this pandemic."
Muhyiddin said the role of mass media in the nation's social, economic and cultural development cannot be denied and should be given due recognition.
He said mass media played a vital role, and was responsible for instilling unity and upholding lasting peace in any country.
This role, he added, was in line with the principles enshrined in the Rukun Negara.
"It is not too far-fetched if I say that the mass media has been the catalyst for racial harmony and unity in ensuring the success and stability of this beloved country of ours."
The media also plays a major role in the Industrial Revolution 4.0, with the advent of various new information platforms on digital media, he said.
Muhyiddin noted the switch from print to digital was a necessity, considering the high cost of archiving and restoring print records.
"However, the consumer trend for news that can be obtained in a flash, that is highly accessible and more often than not, is free, also means that print media companies have to face new challenges in cost management to remain operational.
"This is the challenge that must be faced by all print media companies. Such challenges also serve as opportunities for these companies to rise during this new era of the digital and virtual."