Joint Press Statement by CRC-KLSCAH & WAMI

12 April 2010

Dear Editors,

Chua Soi Lek Urged to Materialize Election Promise on Editorial Independence of The Star Publication

Civil Rights Committee of Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall (CRC-KLSCAH) and Writers Alliance for Media Independence (WAMI) urge the newly elected MCA president Datuk Seri Dr. Chua Soi Lek not to forget his “Humble Ant” election manifesto, he should deliver the election promises as soon as possible, announcing a plan specific time lines to guarantee editorial independence of The Star Publications.

The “Humble Ant” election manifesto has clearly pledged to “professionally manage key assets such as The Star Publications, allow editorial independence and self-governance to succeed on its own accord”. We are glad that Datuk Seri Dr. Chua Soi Lek had acknowledged the importance of media professionalism rather than treating the media industry as organ of political parties. Thus, if he can materialize his election promise, he will definitely win the approval of the public.

We believe, if Datuk Seri Dr. Chua Soi Lek may allow The Star Publication to practice editorial independence and self-governance, it will lead the trend and serve as the role model, eventually propel BN coalition members for instance UMNO to do the same. UMNO may eventually be forced to allow “Utusan Malaysia ” to exercise editorial independence, self-governance and professionalism, instead of being a tool of the party.

Liau Kok Fah,

Chairman of CRC-KLSCAH
Civil Rights Committee of Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall

and

Wong Chin Huat,