Bernama should be run by a neutral guy, says Rais

PETALING JAYA: The Pakatan Harapan administration should reconsider the appointment of “politically-savvy” Wan Hamidi Hamid as the next Bernama chief executive officer to avoid public backlash, says Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia member Tan Sri Dr Rais Yatim.

“I think Pakatan leaders should be sensitive to what they had committed and what they do.

“In the first place, we were warned that we shouldn’t be putting politicians or people with very savvy political views in areas where neutrality is supposed to be maintained,” he told The Star when contacted yesterday.

He said the appointment would trigger a reaction and reflect negatively on the previous decision made by Pakatan policy makers.

He cited the recent controversy surrounding Education Minister Dr Maszlee Malik’s appointment as International Islamic University Malaysia president which had courted protest among student activists.

He suggested that a seasoned news man from a national media house take up the post.

“Bernama should have a neutral guy there.

“I think it’s good if you have a seasoned journalist from one of the news houses but not a politically-savvy personality,” he said.

Dr Rais, who was minister of information, communication and culture from 2009 to 2013, was commenting on The Star report that Wan Hamidi is expected to helm the post when current Bernama CEO Datuk Zulkefli Salleh retires in October.

Wan Hamidi, former editor-inchief of The Rocket, is currently deputy director of the DAP-linked think tank Research for Social Advancement.

Wan Hamidi has worked with several media companies, including The Star from 1994-1995 and 19971999.