From an article in the New Straits Times of Malaysia:
The New Straits Times Press (Malaysia) Berhad yesterday apologised unreservedly to the readers of Weekend Mail for any distress that has been caused by the publication of its latest issue.
"The articles were offensive and distasteful," chief executive officer Datuk Syed Faizal Albar said.
"Although The Malay Mail and Weekend Mail are managed independently and have their own editorial operations separate from the other newspapers, we view this matter seriously as the papers are still printed by The New Straits Times Press (Malaysia) Berhad (NSTP).
"We are seeking an explanation from the editors and will take appropriate steps after assessing the response, as part of our ongoing inquiry into this matter," he said.
NSTP also publishes the New Straits Times, Berita Harian and Harian Metro newspapers, which are headed by Group Editor-in-Chief Datuk Hishamuddin Aun.
The Malay Mail's weekend edition, which focused on teenagers and sex, was criticised by two ministers and politicians yesterday.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said the daily had gone overboard, and that he received numerous calls complaining that the articles were extreme and should not have been published.
"It was published in some detail. Profit should not be made at the expense of society."
He said such articles would erode the moral values of youngsters.
"It is becoming a great challenge to instil good values in youngsters with the easy accessibility of such materials these days."
Najib was commenting on a resolution at the Federal Territory Umno convention yesterday.
The resolution, which was listed as the second most important among 30, said the convention strongly urged the media to abide by the Rukun Negara.
It strongly protested the publication's "cheap sex" articles and exploitation of women to sell more copies.
The resolution noted that such articles would contribute to immoral sexual behaviour and increased social problems among youngsters.
Since Jan 1, the Malay Mail and the Weekend Mail have been operating independently of the New Straits Times.
Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil said: "I am so embarrassed for them (Malay Mail). It is an irresponsible act and downright vulgar."...
