Media Must Play Role As A Partner Of The Government - Najib

KUALA LUMPUR, May 20 (Bernama) -- Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said he would like to see the media play the role of the government's partner in efforts to bring changes and greater transformation to the country.

The Prime Minister said that in this context, there were already positive signs lately including the convincing economic recovery and the significant improvement in the country's position from being number 18 to number 10 among the most competitive nations in the world according to the report "World Competitiveness Yearbook 2010".

In addition, Malaysia was able to attract foreign investment including Qatar's recent commitment to invest US5 billion, the announcement by Western Digital recently to invest US1.2 billion and the positive indication from the Gulf states to invest more in this country.

"All this is our success...that's why I invite the media to become a partner in the journey to transform the country," he said in his speech at the ground breaking ceremony for Utusan Melayu (M) Berhad's new headquarters building at Jalan Chan Sow Lin, on Thursday.

The Prime Minister said it was also not necessary to amend the main agenda and direction that had been set for the country.

"I'm confident that this is the best direction and agenda for our future," he said.

"And if we proceed with our new philosophy...with our new direction and the new (economic) model and so on, I feel this is the best ingredient for the future of our beloved country," he said.

Najib said he appreciated the fact that the media was more keen on sensational news, and in such news there "can be a little sensation" but at the same time, the media must give priority to news that were more knowledge-oriented so that society could think in a more intellectual and objective manner.

"This is also the role of the media...don't be obsessed with sensational stories, hot news or conflicts.

"I know that journalism in the West would stress that conflict sells stories, but that does not mean we must adopt this approach because we want to take the nation to achieve physical success and intellectualism," he said.

On the construction of the new seven-storey headquarters, Najib said it reflected the determination of the newspaper's management to move forward as a symbol of a successful institution.

Recalling Utusan's struggles to uphold the dignity of the religion, race and country since its establishment in 1938, the Prime Minister said that even in the 21st century, he wanted to see Utusan maintain its continuity.

He said Utusan must make the necessary changes to face competition from the other newspapers as well as other sources of information such as the blogs, news portal and 24-hour satellite television.

"If we were to just rely on historical values...although they are important in injecting sentiments and moulding the image, merely relying on history alone without the courage to manage transformation could jeopardise our survival," he said.

The RM90 million building is expected to be completed by the year 2013 and would accommodate a major section of the Utusan staff in the Klang valley, including several subsidiaries.

Also present at the ceremony was Utusan Melayu executive chairman, Tan Sri Mohamed Hashim Ahmad Makaruddin