The book, Behind The Stories, was jointly launched by the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, and the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah, with The Edge Media Group chairman and owner Tan Sri Tong Kooi Ong and its publisher and CEO Datuk Ho Kay Tat. (Photo by Suhaimi Yusuf/The Edge)
The Edge Malaysia’s only agenda is to serve the truth and to earn the readers’ trust, said its chairman and owner Tan Sri Tong Kooi Ong, reinforcing that the publication has no political or personal agenda.
Reflecting on the publication’s journey since 1994, at the unveiling of a book recounting that journey in conjunction with The Edge’s 30th anniversary this year, Tong said he started the publication with one mission in mind: to provide credible news that empowers readers to make informed business and investment decisions.
“I was a stockbroker and banker back then,” Tong said in his keynote address during the event held at the Four Seasons Hotel, here.
“I knew nothing about running a newspaper, but I saw the need for the country to have a media that is credible, and one that readers can trust to report the truth and provide insights that can help them make better business and investment decisions. And one that can contribute to nation building by advocating economic prosperity and opportunities for every Malaysian to build a better life for themselves,” Tong said.
The book, titled Behind The Stories, was jointly launched by the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, and the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah.
Also present were former prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, former deputy prime minister Tun Musa Hitam, and Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz.
The event was also attended by numerous corporate leaders and business tycoons, including former CIMB Group Holdings Bhd chairman Tan Sri Nazir Razak, Khazanah Nasional Bhd managing director Datuk Amirul Feisal Wan Zahir, Capital A Bhd chief executive officer Tan Sri Tony Fernandes, Sunway Bhd founder and chairman Tan Sri Sir Dr Jeffrey Cheah, and Grab Holdings Ltd co-founder and CEO Anthony Tan.
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Among the guests were also current and former leaders of financial regulators and government institutions, including former attorney general Tan Sri Tommy Thomas, Securities Commission Malaysia chairman Datuk Mohammad Faiz Azmi, and Bursa Malaysia Bhd CEO Datuk Muhamad Umar Swift.
“Friends have asked why I want to own a newspaper, because speaking truth to power will only end up offending so many. Surely it is bad for my other businesses? Yes, it is. But, I am glad my wife and children understand me. They know my passion for The Edge is not about comfort or money,” Tong said.
“The biggest challenge in owning The Edge is that those who are unhappy with what The Edge reports almost always accuse us of having political or personal agendas. I would like to reinforce the fact that our only agenda is to serve the truth and to earn your trust. And I think the fact that we have no other agenda is reflected among our diverse guests here today,” he added.
Tong also paid tribute to The Edge’s publisher and CEO Datuk Ho Kay Tat, who played a key role in the publication’s journey over the past three decades and was pivotal to its success today.
“Kay Tat is a strategic and level-headed leader whose strength is his ability to bring everyone together and be able to make the team look good even when they are having an off day.
“To The Edge, Kay Tat is what Andrés Iniesta was to my favourite football club Barcelona — the captain, the midfielder, the brilliant play maker of the team. Iniesta makes Messi and Neymar look good at scoring goals,” Tong quipped.
Tong said the book’s publication is aimed at clarifying misconceptions as well as providing insights into the publication's history.
"I think most people, including close friends, will for the first time discover some new facts about what had happened.
“We realise we will offend some people, and there were perhaps events that should be better left untold. But, if we were to write a book, we must be honest, truthful, fair, and comprehensive.
“The way to respond to half-truths, lies and outright fiction is not to keep quiet but to call them out — putting facts and truth on record for eternity,” Tong added.
The book, he hopes, will foster dialogue about the need for inclusive political and economic reforms in Malaysia, echoing sentiments of unity and progress for the nation.
Selangor Sultan commends The Edge Malaysia for 30 years of quality journalism
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The Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, has lauded The Edge for its significant contribution to the Malaysian media landscape over the past three decades.
The Selangor ruler said that The Edge has been a vital part of Selangor’s media ecosystem since it hit the streets on Sept 5, 1994, in the state.
“After being printed for 30 years, I'm proud to say that The Edge is still going strong, earning respect and trust from many readers and subscribers,” Sultan Sharafuddin said in his speech at the launch of The Edge's book, Behind the Stories, in conjunction with the publication's 30th anniversary.
He commended the publication for its unwavering commitment to quality journalism and its role in providing truth and fair journalism in the face of misinformation and fake news.
“An independent media like The Edge is even more important today than in the past,” he said. “We need trusted, credible, independent media which is also financially sustainable or it cannot be credible and independent otherwise,” the Selangor Sultan said.
He also expressed his admiration for the publication's 30-year journey which was written in the Behind the Stories book that sheds light on the challenges and motivations behind the publication's steadfast pursuit of credible and trustworthy reporting.
"The book offers a personal account of (The Edge chairman and owner) Tan Sri Tong Kooi Ong’s struggles, including his role in exposing the 1MDB scandal," the Sultan said. "It provides valuable insights into the reasons that drove The Edge to take such a significant stand,” he added.
The book will be available in bookstores soon.
