Mahathir controlled the media during his era, Zahid claims

KUALA LUMPUR: Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad set the agenda for the media during his time in power, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
Ahmad Zahid said during the elections, only one person would set the agenda, claiming that it was Mahathir.
"The media owners had no say, just one person had the say," he said.
Ahmad Zahid said today such practices no longer exist.
He said traditional media has continued to maintain high ethical standards while those in the social media sphere write things according to their feelings and not the facts.
"We should not write news just to confuse the people.
"Media practitioners must also realise that they have a social responsibility to the nation," Ahmad Zahid said in his speech before launching the Berita Harian National Day Special Showcase to mark the nation's 60th National Day.
The deputy prime minister said reckless reporting will not only confuse the people, but will cause social discord.
Ahmad Zahid said traditional media must also face the fact that there are no borders in today's world.
"For traditional media not to be swallowed by this changing world, it must face the changes and adapt to it.
"They also have to continue to maintain their ethics in these changing times," he said.
Speaking off the cuff, he urged Government Linked Companies and the Ministry of Finance Incorporated companies to support the traditional and moderate media companies with advertisements.
He said for the traditional media to continue to do their job, they need the help of these companies.
Ahmad Zahid said no matter how much freedom is given, the media must maintain high ethical standards.