KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Newspaper Publishers Association (MNPA) has announced the re-election of Datuk Ahmad Zaini Kamaruzzaman as chairman at its 51st Annual General Meeting.
Ahmad Zaini, who is also the New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd (NSTP) group managing editor, said he and the MNPA would continue to steer the evolving media landscape and advocate for the industry's interests.
"I am deeply honoured to be re-elected as MNPA chairman. This is a testament to our collective commitment to upholding the integrity and quality of journalism in Malaysia.
"Together, we will continue to navigate the evolving media landscape and champion the interests of our industry," he said.
Ahmad Zaini said currently, most newspaper publishers were still struggling and were recovering economically, exacerbated by the tax increase earlier this year.
He said MNPA believed that this was not the right time for such an increase.
"The MNPA has requested the government for an exemption from import duties on newspapers and a service tax exemption on newspaper advertisements, but these requests were not approved.
"Nevertheless, MNPA remains steadfast and will continue to appeal to the government for these tax exemptions.
"MNPA believes these measures are crucial to ensuring the future of Malaysian newspapers, preserving jobs, and maintaining the critical role newspapers play in our national media landscape," Ahmad Zaini added.
The meeting also appointed Star Media Group group chief executive officer Chan Seng Fatt as the new secretary and reappointed Media Chinese International executive director Liew Sam Ngan as treasurer.
Meanwhile, Chan hoped his appointment would contribute to the media industry.
"I am humbled by this appointment. Together with the team, we hope to make significant contributions to the media industry," he said.
The MNPA, established in 1971, consists of newspaper publishers in Malaysia and functions to promote, protect, and represent the interests and welfare of the industry and its members in general.
MNPA represents most mainstream newspaper publishers across Malaysia, with members from both Peninsular and East Malaysia.
Among them are New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd, Star Media Group Bhd, China Press Bhd, Nanyang Press Holdings Bhd, See Hua Daily News Sdn Bhd, Sin Chew Media Corporation Bhd, Sinar Karangkraf Sdn Bhd, Sun Media Corporation Sdn Bhd, and The Edge Communications Sdn Bhd.
Other MNPA members include Guang Ming Ribao Sdn Bhd, Kwong Wah Yit Poh Sdn Bhd, Makkal Osai Sdn Bhd, Malaysia SME Publishing Sdn Bhd, Sabah Publishing House Sdn Bhd, and Unity Media (M) Sdn Bhd.