IN the week of 27 April to 3 May 2009, the Malay-language press was filled with musings on swine flu, PAS’s internal strife over the possibility of a unity government with arch-rivals Umno, the morality of art, and the growing problem of mat rempit. Following a week of global anxiety, religious commentators placed the blame […]
Berita Harian
Bangkitlah orang Melayu
Translation by Zedeck SiewBETWEEN 13 and 19 April 2009, the Malay language press wrung its hands over the welfare of the Malay race, the inevitable Penanti by-election, and the vagaries of history lessons. Capati (Source: wilka.ru) The headlines for Utusan Malaysia‘s 15 April edition was Bangkitlah Melayu, a clarion call that was not softened by the front-page photograph […]
Flap over Quranic verses
Translation by Zedeck SiewBETWEEN 6 and 12 April 2009, the Malay-language media focused on three main topics: Perak DAP secretary Nga Kor Ming’s use of Quranic verses during the Bukit Gantang by-election; the results of the three by-elections; and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s newly minted cabinet. On 9 April, Utusan Malaysia ran the word Shameful! in […]
Dec 4 trial for former senator’s RM60 mln suit
KUALA LUMPUR, 13 April 2009: The High Court has set 4 Dec to hear a suit brought by a former senator who is seeking RM60 million in damages from The New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd (NSTP), Berita Harian Sdn Bhd and two of its journalists over allegedly defamatory articles. The trial is set to […]
Najib takes action
Translation by Zedeck SiewIN the week of 30 March to 5 April 2009, the Malay-language print media focused on Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s appointment as sixth prime minister of Malaysia, what his first actions as premier mean for the on-going by-elections, and the fate of teenage star Diana Danielle as she undertakes her stint in national service. In […]
All about Umno
Translation by Zedeck SiewONE event above all others held the attention of the Malay-language press from 23 to 29 March 2009: the 59th Umno general assembly. Commentary dwelt on the need for new party leaders to secure public confidence, expressed unabashed confidence in Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s impending rule, and looked forward to the challenges facing Umno in […]
Preoccupied with sex
Translation by Zedeck SiewINATTENTIVE wives, horny teenagers, Umno’s upcoming polls, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC)’s bad image, and the Arab siege on Malay culture were some of the issues covered by the traditional Malay-language press from 23 Feb to 1 March 2009. “Misguided” sexual practices Moral outrage over “unnatural” sexual practices make for striking headlines. The cover story […]
Johan Jaafar headed for Media Prima, NSTP
By Jose BarrockKUALA LUMPUR, 24 Feb 2009: A former powerful newspaper editor will be appointed soon to key posts at Media Prima Bhd and The New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd (NSTP) in a move that is linked to next month’s leadership change in Umno. Sources said Datuk Johan Jaafar, who was editor-in-chief of Umno-owned Utusan Malaysia […]
Photos, Umno and royalty
Translation by Zedeck SiewCOVERT nude photography, the imminent Umno general assembly, and interpreting royal missives occupied journalists and columnists in the Malay-language press between 16 and 22 Feb 2009. (Abdulaziz Almansour / sxc.hu) The 22 Feb edition of Metro Ahad ran Koleksi makan diri on its cover: a two-page feature on the perils of recorded passion. Noting that […]
Defending the monarchy
Translation by Shanon ShahPROMINENT stories in the Malay-language press between 9 and 15 Feb 2009 revolved around the monarchy, Pakatan Rakyat (PR)-lynching, and the impending Bukit Selambau and Bukit Gantang by-elections. On 10 Feb, Utusan Malaysia got no less than Foreign Minister and Umno supreme council member Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim to write on the Barisan Nasional […]
