Nazri tells Utusan to stop racist agenda

Umno maverick Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz has continued to condemn Utusan Malaysia for its “outdated” racist propaganda, saying the Umno-owned newspaper must accept that Malaysia is a multi-racial country.

Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz

It's amazing but understandably it was seen by political analysts as a correct political move and most welcome as the public is frustrated with the Utusan. It was noted that Utusan had come under increasing fire from politicians and the public over alleged ethical infractions. They appear to be more willing to publicly criticize the daily besides making reports to the police.

Politically, it was claimed that the alleged move by Utusan to publish highly sensitive and demeaning articles against the non-Malays not only insulting them but would directly or indirectly benefit the opposition.

Ironically, the media should report factual matters accurately without bias and controversial issues fairly. But in reality, media always is being used by politicians to gain public legitimacy and support.

Undeniably, it was claimed that certain media chose the specific groups as the target of their hate. It seems that their sensitivity to race has recently been heightened. We’ve routinely heard that politician and their allies in the media always stirring up controversy for political gain.

Nevertheless, due to the highly political nature of the issues, the strategy of stirring up controversy often seems to be the most effective tactics to gain access to core the political routines. However, in a multi- ethnic society, it is by far one of the most difficult to handle politically, the whole strategy would backfire.

A close looks at the impact of the most painful aspects made by Utusan which was termed by Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz as “outdated” racist propaganda. It was claimed that at its most extreme besides a rather dubious in regard to race relations and bias were to be found in the discriminatory propaganda which is advantages to opposition parties.

It was claimed by certain political analysts that Utusan is considered being Umno's mouthpiece and its race-soaked invectives should not be repeatedly taken out of context and deliberately misunderstood. In fact, there certainly would have been deliverable used as a tool to usurp the political support for Najib and not otherwise. It has been said that politics as the art of making the impossible. Is it possible for the member of the party they belonged to do so?

It has been reported that the statement presented by Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz’s was a correct political move and most welcome by certain quarters. What do you think of his statement?

Should Nga Kor Ming sue those misreporting?

Often it is said that the media's tendency to get overwrought about almost everything under the sun and politicians aim to get free ride from media.

Taiping MP Nga Kor Ming

Undeniably, it is claimed that although politicians frequently communicate to media but media change some of their message especially those have different schools of thought. It is a process by which the media determines what issues to cover and how big as media prefers more confrontational issues to less one.

Ironically, mainstream media tends to pick up on these claims. But they never take into consideration that the political damage has already been done. Strong praise and ugly words directed at politicians. It clearly shows that the media cannot effectively compete with the new media.

Basically, a credible media should engage itself in a fair and free reporting. The news reporting should be balanced with the demands of fair play without bias.

Unfortunately, it was reported frequently that the media’s role in spreading confusion regarding the political statement. In an attempt to be balanced, media often inadvertently tilts the scale too far to accommodate the political statement that looking to spread misinformation and confusion.

Its embarrassing that media is making the situation worse by trying to twist the statement and give a free ride in newspaper to certain politicians.

In fact, the media should not be blamed if it reports on matters that needed to be made known to the people as long as it does not divert from the facts, as said by Information, Communication and Culture Minister Rais Yatim.

In this regard, he said it was not proper for certain quarters to accuse the media of twisting facts in its reporting as he felt the Malaysian media was responsible in relating facts of importance to society.

Rais Yatim said Taiping MP Nga Kor Ming should not blame the media in general but rather single out media that he charged was twisting his statement.

He said, "As long as the facts are true, the media can report, but if the facts are false, then the party aggrieved has the right to sue those misreporting".

The questions arise: Do politicians used to get free ride from media? Should Nga Kor Ming sue those misreporting?

Rais Yatim : Nik Aziz's opinions were no longer acceptable

Information Communication and Culture Minister Dr Rais Yatim said the PAS spiritual leader's opinions were no longer acceptable although he was a knowledgeable and elderly person.

Rais Yatim:Nik Aziz's opinions were no longer acceptable

He said, "We used we see him as the party's spiritual leader but now we see him as someone who only knows how to revile others.

"This is not the work of a religious man, not the work of a spiritual adviser, this is vilification."

Kelantan Menteri Besar Nik Aziz has issued a call to all the people of Kelantan, irrespective of political leanings, to unite under the cause of demanding for Kelantan's rightful oil royalty payments from the federal government.

He proclaimed: "As long as they do not give the oil royalty, we will pray until that person's stomach bursts.”

The PAS spiritual leader Nik Aziz was also reported to have described the rejection of oil royalty payments to the Kelantan government as "a violation of basic human rights".

The question arises: Is Nik Aziz using religious practice to demand oil royalty is an unbecoming behavior as an Islamic leader?