New Straits Times
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The New Straits Times is a Malaysian English language newspaper. It is Malaysia's oldest newspaper, having been founded as The Straits Times in 1845, and it serves as Malaysia's only broadsheet format English language newspaper, although a tabloid version first rolled off the presses in September 2004. It is printed by the News Straits Times Press, which also produces the English language afternoon newspaper, the Malay Mail, as well as assorted Malay newspapers, most notably the Berita Harian.
The New Straits Times was originally founded as The Straits Times and covered all of what was then British Malaya. Upon Singapore's independence in 1965, The Straits Times remained headquartered in Singapore and the New Straits Times split off to cover Malaysia.
Its circulation is approximately 200,000 readers daily, limited compared to its main rival, The Star. However, it is the paper of choice for English speaking intellectuals and civil servants as it, unlike the Star, possesses an editorial column in which the newspaper's editor, journalists and intellectuals from outside contribute articles on the state of the country. Compared to other countries, the debate is insipid, but by Malaysian standards it is lively enough. Because of this reputation, it is considered to be Malaysia's premier English language paper.
The New Straits Times has been accused of serving as a propaganda tool for the government. Though publicly listed on the Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange, the ruling Malaysian political party UMNO holds a golden vote and decides all policies. The paper has a tradition of appointing editors who are sympathetic to the powers that be. Case in point: the NST's last editor, Abdullah Ahmad (not to be confused with Abdullah Ahmad Badawi) was sacked shortly after the retirement of former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad. The public reason given was that he had written an article which offended Saudi authorities (Saudi Arabia is one of Malaysia's close allies), but it has been claimed that he was felt to be too pro-Mahathir and anti-Najib (currently Malaysia's Deputy Prime Minister), although a few months before Mahathir resigned he attempted to change loyalties in an abrupt about-face to suit the new political climate. Rehman Rashid, a noted intellectual famous for his scathing wit has been reinstated as associate Editor, having been fired from the paper in May 2003 for refusing to ghostwrite for the aforementioned Abdullah Ahmad. The current Group Editor in Chief of the NST is Datuk Kalimullah Hassan. Besides the fact that he is in the Government's favour, he is a popular editor as he takes a very hands-on approach to his job, even writing some front page articles. However, he is seen to be overly sycophantic to his political masters and intolerant to those who do not share his views.
The paper has for some years incorporated the Business Times, expanding its business section and increasing its appeal among businessmen.
The NST currently retails at RM1.20 (~40 US cents).
Since April 18, 2005, the NST is published entirely in tabloid size, ending a 160-year-old tradition.
Property Times
First published in May 1995, the Property Times is a pull-out section in the New Straits Times, every Saturday. It focuses on introducing the property market and home decoration tips.
The group editor is Datuk Ahmad A. Talib, associate editors are Sheila Singam and Nicholas Mun.
External link
- New Straits Times official web site (http://www.nst.com.my/)