Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Tan Sri Syed Mokhtar Albukhary attend the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia’s 20th anniversary celebrations in Kuala Lumpur December 14, 2018. — Picture by Shafwan Zaidon
“We must remember that Syed Mokhtar is a corporate superman and not a news guy... he made his name while in Johor Baru at a time when he was friendly with Muhyiddin and Anwar which shows that he is friends with everyone,” said political analyst Hoo Ke Ping, referring to Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
“It’s true that Syed Mokhtar has a close relationship with Umno but it’s via his relationship with Dr Mahathir, and now that Dr Mahathir is not with Umno anymore, the media coverage on Umno will be more critical and intense. She felt having ownership will allow for more fluid content while making Syed Mokhtar a key political and economic player unlike in the past where media ownership was tied with party funds.
Welsh is also of the opinion that news coverage by agencies under Media Prima would likely remain pro-government as long as Dr Mahathir remains the prime minister.
Elusive?... but some stories abt his decision making were strange...