Does Utusan-NSTP Merger Bring Benefits? Nazri Says Government Believes So.

The government believes that the merger between Utusan Melayu (M) Bhd and New Straits Times Press (Malaysia) Bhd (NSTP) will bring benefits to all involved.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz said if the plan succeeded, the two entities would enjoy enhanced financial strength and facility sharing, besides opening up more opportunities for the journalists to raise their performance.

"On the issue of losing the journalistic spirit, it is understood that the merger will not curtail the newspapers' freedom and doesn't involve the editorial, editing and reporting levels."

He said this when winding up the debate on the Supply Bill 2007 on behalf of the Prime Minister's Department in the Dewan Negara, Monday.

Mohamed Nazri said the government would also not let the interests of both entities be set side and would ensure that their identities, traditions and roles were maintained if the merger was realized.

"All the advantages and disadvantages that come about from the effort not only to the companies but also the country, will be studied thoroughly," he added

In the meantime, he advised all parties not to discuss too much the implications of the merger because it could cause confusion as both companies were still in the discussion stage.

On the northern corridor development plan, he said Sime Darby Bhd which had been entrusted to carry it out, was preparing the comprehensive master plan.

"The master plan will be presented to the National Implementation Action Body chaired by the Prime Minister (Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi) in early 2007," he said. (Bernama)

****** I'm surprised at Nazri's opinion that discussing 'too much' about the merger could cause confusion! Earlier we could not discuss the NEP because it may lead to confusion. We were also urged not to have inter-faith discussions because it could 'confuse' certain sections of the public. Also not to report too much about the haze and the incidence of crime in the country as it will 'confuse' locals and tourists. We must be the most confused people on the planet!

I wonder how Nazri came to that conclusion about the kerajaan's confidence? International Trade and Industry Minister Rafidah Aziz on the contrary gave a very cautious statement as did Khairy Jamaluddin while several Barisan Nasional backbenchers even voiced their disagreement to the proposed merger. So who told Nazri to announce the government's vote of confidence?

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