Journo union concerned over alleged political interference

KUALA LUMPUR: The National Union of Journalists Malaysia (NUJM) is concerned over news reports of the newly appointed group editor at the News Straits Times (NST).

Its general secretary, Chin Sung Chew, said the sudden removal of NST's present group editor Ahmad Lokman Mansor was shocking, especially with reports citing that the appointment came to pass allegedly due to political interference.

"We urge the group and the organisation's management to address the issue arising as it affects the integrity and reputation of the company which has a 177-year-old history in newsprint.

"These concerns, as well as the petition circulating against the new group editor's appointment, have to be thoroughly investigated and brought to the attention of shareholders and the board to ensure that the company can continue serving the people and the nation," he said in a statement, today.

Chin added that the consequences of sweeping such grave matters under the rug would be severe as many mainstream media companies had gone bust in the past due to alleged misconduct and political interference.

"Shareholders and the board should swiftly meet the staff to prevent further disharmony and conflict," he said.