Veteran journalist says Abu Zahar wrong to blame media and should step down

PETALING JAYA: Tan Sri Abu Zahar Ujang (pic) only has himself to blame for the controversy that arose from his press conference on Jan 5 and should step down, says veteran journalist Tan Sri Johan Jaafar.

Johan, who is also a former Malaysia Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Advisory and Prevention Panel chairman, said blaming the media was unbecoming of the Anti-Corruption Advisory Board chairman and expressed his disappointment.

“I am gutted at Abu Zahar Ujang’s action of blaming the media for his own debacle during the press conference on Jan 5 where he only has himself to blame for the disaster he created.

“Blaming the media for his own failing is irresponsible and unbecoming of him,” said Johan.

Johan also said he held Abu Zahar personally responsible for further fallout due to his recent media conference.

“With that, he should also respectfully resign from his position immediately as demanded by many quarters.

“We the media and the people are expecting nothing less than the highest level of accountability on his part.

“I myself wonder if he too is blaming the media for his own panel having distanced themselves from his statement,” he said.

Johan added that the media conference on Tuesday (Jan 11) was unnecessary and had created more doubts and questions among the public.

Veteran journalist Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai said the media should continue to play its role fairly and professionally.

“The media should function as a watchdog but don’t let us be the scapegoat,” he said.

At the same time, he agreed that everyone should not be unfairly prejudged or be put on trial by the media.

“One should argue any case persuasively with the facts and figures, and not by subtle threats or intimidation,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Editors’ Association (Chinese Medium) of Malaysia president Kuik Cheng Kang said

Abu Zahar should not underestimate the readers’ ability in reading news and assessing news accuracy.

“Please do not look down on the readers and blame the media instead of yourself, for committing the error. This is an irresponsible act.”

Kuik said Abu Zahar should be accountable for his words and behaviour, Sin Chew Daily reported.

He said Abu Zahar should acknowledge and apologise for his wrong choice of words, adding that the media should not be made a scapegoat.

“The Editors’ Association (Chinese Medium) of Malaysia urges Abu Zahar to apologise to the media nationwide,” he said.

Earlier on Tuesday, Abu Zahar Ujang blamed the media for the controversy that arose from his Jan 5 press conference where he declared that MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki did not commit any wrongdoing with regard to his share ownership in 2015.

He also claimed that his press conference on Jan 5 was not fully reported by some media, so much so that it has contributed to the "wrong perception" among the public.