WHILE a rarity, it is always heart-warming to come across mainstream publications that are perceived to be government-friendly ‘daringly’ voice their opposition against what is perceived to be ‘unpardonable wrongdoings’ by government leaders (whether ministers or senior civil servants).
Kudos to the New Straits Times (NST) which in its today’s (Aug 10) leader’s page aptly summarised the RM9 bil Royal Malaysian Navy’s littoral combat ship (LCS) project fiasco in a two-word heading: “Another 1MDB”.
More than two decades after the 1998 Reformasi protest which culminated in a nosedive of the paper’s (in its true printed media form) circulation and readership, NST has in recent times embarked on a more open editorial policy which is something endearing to what is left of its loyal followers.
Steadfastly backing the then government of the day although the public at large thought that there was gross injustice meted out on the then Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had undoubtedly relegated the paper to the lowest ebb of its 177 years of existence.
Occasionally joining hands with ‘more rogue, no holds bar’ news portals to convey sentiments that resonate in every Malaysian’s mind right now – be it life’s hardships, how ministers are detached from reality or failure to combat corruption – has gradually enabled the paper to gain the trust of today’s new breed of readers.
In fact, it is so refreshing to read the crafty first three paragraphs of NST’s “Another 1MDB” leader piece – something that one wouldn’t expect to come from a mainstream, ‘always toeing the line’ publication:
“So we have come to this. Embezzlement ad nauseam. Talk about replicating. The long chapter on the 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) scandal hasn’t even ended and salvos are being fired at another look-alike: the RM9 bil Royal Malaysian Navy’s Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) project fiasco.
Remember SRC International Sdn Bhd? According to media reports, only 13% of the work was done, but some RM9.4 bil or 90% was paid out. What a scandal. As for LCS, Putrajaya was similarly happy to pay RM6 bil with no combat ship delivered.
Small wonder Malaysia is condemned to be a bottom feeder in corruption perception indexes. What ails Malaysia? Well, many things.”
Well, if NST can embrace this new brand of fair reporting and impartial flair consistently, the future is bright for NST to re-emerge as Malaysia’s oldest-yet-young-at-heart publication once more. – Aug 10, 2022
