Its circulation is approximately 200,000 readers daily, limited compared to its main rival, the Star. However, it is the paper of choice for English speaking intellectuals and civil servants as it, unlike the Star, possesses an editorial column in which the newspaper's editor, journalists and intellectuals from outside contribute articles on the state of the country. Compared to other countries, the debate is insipid, but by Malaysian standards it is lively enough. Because of this reputation, it is considered to be Malaysia's premier English language paper.
Like all Malaysian papers, it serves as a propaganda tool for the government. Though publicly listed on the Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange, the Malaysian political party UMNO holds a golden vote and decides all policies. The paper has a tradition of appointing editors who are extremely sycophantic to the powers that be. Case in point: the NST's last editor, Abdullah Ahmad (not to be confused with Abdullah Ahmad Badawi) was sacked as he was felt to be too pro-Mahathir and anti-Najib (currently Malaysia's Deputy Prime Minister), although a few months before Mahathir resigned he attempted to change loyalties in an abrupt about-face to suit the new political climate. Apparently he overdid it. The excuse given was that he had written an article which offended Saudi authorities (Saudi Arabia is one of Malaysia's close allies). Rehmad Rashid, a noted intellectual famous for his scathing wit has been reinstated as associate Editor, having been fired from the paper in May 2003 for refusing to ghostwrite for the aforementioned Abdullah Ahmad. The current Group Editor in Chief of the NST is Datuk Kalimullah Hassan. Besides the fact that he is in the Government's favour, he is a popular editor as he takes a very hands-on approach to his job, even writing some front page articles.
The paper has for some years incorporated the Business Times, expanding its business section and increasing its appeal among businessmen.
The NST currently retails at RM1.50 (40 US cents).
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