KUALA LUMPUR – Umno Supreme Council member Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh has outright denied any involvement in the removal of New Straits Times’ (NST) group editor Ahmad Lokman Mansor from his post.
Speaking to The Vibes, Rauf insisted that he was not involved in any way or form in the appointment and dismissal of key personnel in NST and its parent company Media Prima Bhd.
“It is unfortunate that my name and reputation as a politician is being dragged into this issue,” he said in response to alleged interference by Umno into the appointment of key media personnel.
His brief response comes after Lokman was allegedly removed from his post due to alleged interference from Umno bigwigs.
According to a statement by the New Straits Times Press (NSTP) Bhd today, Lokman is set to be replaced by Farrah Naz Karim from September 15.
Farrah, a journalist who formerly served NST as its associate editor, is presently an executive editor at its parent company Media Prima.
According to NSTP group managing editor Mustapha Kamil Mohd Janor, the assignment of Farrah to NST as its group editor is in line with the group’s strategy to further enhance its content offering.
“Her extensive experience in print journalism combined with her experience in television would be invaluable as Media Prima moves forward in consolidating its news operations across its media platforms.
He added: “As a responsible English daily, NST has in recent years strived to operate independently of any outsider influencers, including political influence. As a member of a public-listed company, the group is governed by strict corporate governance and transparency, and an able board of directors.”
According to sources within the group’s circles, the move to replace Lokman has not gone down well with the majority of staff as Lokman had been the driving force behind editorial changes in NST, which included more middle-of-the-ground reporting and hard-hitting editorials.
A source who spoke on the condition of anonymity said a briefing to the desk editors and reporters on the matter conducted by Mustapha yesterday had caused indignation among them.
The source also pointed out that the change in personnel was due to NST’s failure to articulate the “embedded” wishes of Umno delegates during the party’s special assembly recently, which included intervening in former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s SRC International Bhd graft case by allowing a retrial or seeking a royal pardon. – The Vibes, September 13, 2022
