Politics of Chinese Media in Malaysia: Case Study on the Nanyang Takeover Issue

Abstract

This study examines the politics of Chinese media in Malaysia, focusing on a case study of the Nanyang takeover issue. In June 2001, the Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA), one of the major component parties of the Barisan Nasional (BN) ruling coalition, took over a Chinese daily, Nanyang Siang Pau, in the face of vehement opposition from the United Chinese School Committees Association of Malaysia (Dong Jiao Zong), famous Chinese writers, and even a part of MCA. Five years after the takeover, however, MCA sold off Nanyang Siang Pau to the rival daily Sin Chew Jit Poh. This deal created a monopolistic media group that controls 85% of the Chinese newspaper market. This study examines the following questions on the Nanyang takeover issue. Why did Dong Jiao Zong and other groups oppose the takeover? Why did MCA take over Nanyang Siang Pau? What happened in the opposition groups after MCA sold Nanyang Siang Pau? The conclusion of this study has implications with regard to how political actors, such as the state and ruling parties, owners of the media group, journalists, and civil society groups, fighting the conflict over the media in Malaysia.