Ex-NSTP group editor dies of cancer

PETALING JAYA: Veteran journalist Datuk Ahmad A. Talib (pic) has died due to liver cancer at 5.42pm yesterday at the University Malaya Medical Centre.

The former New Straits Times Press (NSTP) group editor and executive director of Media Prima Bhd was 69.

Ahmad had started his career as a cadet reporter at national news agency Bernama before starting work at NSTP and working his way up the ladder.

He had a column with the NST called “Kurang Manis” that first appeared in August 1995, then a column later called “Pahit Manis” in the Sunday edition of the daily.

He continued contributing to the paper even after his retirement, and his last piece on May 3 was on how the movement control order (MCO) was the best time to reflect on life.

“So stop moaning and groaning about the MCO. Use it to reflect on family values, targets, plan careers and bond tightly. You may never get another chance, ” he had written.

Star Media Group adviser Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai expressed sadness over Ahmad’s demise.

“We travelled together to many countries as journalists to cover the visits of then prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

“He was a seasoned newsman with the skills to pose sharp questions to many politicians but always in a non-condescending manner.

“He will be remembered by those of us from his generation of journalists.”

Wong, 59, said that Ahmad always understood the pulse of the nation.

He had the sentiments of the people and carried their voices in his column, Wong added.