BETWEEN 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 […]
malay press
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 […]
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 […]
Upholding Umno
Translation by Zedeck SiewWITH Umno elections around the corner, much of the traditional Malay-language press spent time ruminating on the party general assembly that will be held from 24 to 28 March 2009. From 16 to 22 March 2009, Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam’s inability to contest in the party polls dominated the news; interviewers quizzed Datuk Seri […]
Uniting the Malays
Translation by Zedeck SiewBETWEEN 9 and 15 March 2009 — excellent Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) results notwithstanding — the defence of the Malay race, disunity among Muslims, and economic troubles worried the opinion pages and editorials of the Malay-language press. Closing ranks Closing ranks, especially along racial lines, was a big theme in the past week. The editorial […]
Perak, language issues and Kugan
By The Nut Graph and BFM 89.9FROM 2 to 8 Mar 2009, both the Chinese media and the Malay press looked at the ongoing political impasse in Perak. Both also highlighted the objections to the teaching of mathematics and science in English. The Tamil press focused on the shocking findings in A Kugan’s second autopsy. The Tamil papers also reported on […]
Politicians, politicking and parties
By The Nut Graph and BFM 89.9AMONG others, from 23 Feb to 1 Mar 2009, the Chinese media highlighted the internal politicking within the MCA, while the Malay press talked about the upcoming Umno polls. In the Tamil press, MIC president Datuk Seri S Samy Vellu was in the spotlight: firstly, in his open spat with Penang Deputy Chief Minister II […]
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 […]
Political crises and by-elections
By The Nut Graph and BFM 89.9FROM 9 Feb to 15 Feb 2009, the Chinese and Malay press focused on the ongoing political crisis in Perak and the upcoming Bukit Gantang and Bukit Selambau by-elections. Additionally, the Chinese press also focused on assemblyperson Hee Yit Foong’s resignation from the DAP, while the Malay press commented on the need to respect and […]
