Warlords still hold sway over information, media – The Vibes
Azam’s case is more concerning as institutions such as the police and the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) are seen to be made a conduit by those who do not like what is written about them.
Protecting freedom of press only to ease fears that suppression of journalism seeing resurgence
(The Vibes) – THE assurances of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob that (whatever) freedoms the press enjoys today will be protected goes only as far as to ease fears that suppression of journalism in this country is seeing a resurgence.
Just in one day (Monday) it was reported that Umno warlords saw to it that the editorial leadership of the New Straits Times would be changed, with the removal of respected group editor Lokman Mansor.
Then, former editor-in-chief at The Edge, Azam Aris – another revered media personality for his biting but factual and insightful observations of corporate and political happenings in the country – was charged with criminal defamation.
Lokman has been removed for the NST’s apparent support for non-interference in the judicial process that saw former prime minister and ex-Umno president Datuk Seri Najib Razak being convicted and sentenced to 12 years in jail for his role in the SCR International corruption scandal.
The editorials he approved saw the fortunes of the fledgling media organisation improve its readership as it took a more middle-of-the-ground approach in its reporting, even giving space to opposition politicians and critical reporting of the government of the day.
