Who Owns New Straits Times? Ownership, Political Bias, and Editorial Standards
New Straits Times Overview and Political Bias
Analysts often characterize the New Straits Times as traditionally pro-government, specifically aligned with the Barisan Nasional coalition for decades. Critics suggest it functions as an establishment mouthpiece, prioritizing national stability. Its reporting is described by some observers as cautious regarding sensitive racial, religious, or high-level domestic political controversies.
| Standpoint | Assessment |
|---|---|
| Overall political leaning | Center Right |
| Estimated number of readers | 4,500,000 |
| Israel support | Pro-Palestine |
| Use of loaded / emotional language | Medium |
| Target Audience | Mass market / Urban professionals |
New Straits Times History
Founded in 1845 as The Straits Times, it became the New Straits Times in 1972 following the separation of Singapore and Malaysia. As Malaysia’s oldest English-language daily, it evolved from a colonial-era publication into a key national institution, later adopting a compact tabloid format to modernize its reader experience.
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Who owns New Straits Times?
The publication is owned by Media Prima Berhad, Malaysia’s leading integrated media group. Historically, Media Prima has maintained close ties with UMNO, the country’s long-dominant political party. Funding is primarily derived from commercial advertising, digital subscriptions, and corporate investments within the broader Media Prima media ecosystem.