{
  "id": 18090926,
  "title": "Anwar says govt had previously rescued Utusan Malaysia publisher amid financial difficulties",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/04/anwar-says-govt-had-previously-rescued-utusan-malaysia-publisher-amid",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-04T08:20:19.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Malay Mail",
    "slug": "malay-mail",
    "url": "https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/11/04/anwar-says-govt-had-previously-rescued-utusan-malaysia-publisher-amid-financial-difficulties/241975"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim revealed on November 4 that the government had previously intervened to support the publisher of Utusan Malaysia and Kosmo! during times of financial hardship. When questioned about the recent decision to place approximately 100 employees on paid leave as part of the company's rationalisation exercise, Anwar directed inquiries to Media Mulia Sdn Bhd, the publisher responsible. Addressing concerns over the move, Anwar stated, \"We have rescued it once before.\" The Prime Minister made this statement after attending the 2026 World Town Planning Day celebration and the unveiling of the Fifth National Physical Plan (RFN5) and Third National Urbanisation Policy (DPN3). In response to a query regarding the justification of the company's restructuring efforts and the potential compensation for the affected employees, Anwar emphasized the need to direct such questions to Media Mulia. On November 2, the company's director and chief financial officer, Abd Wahid Idris, announced the implementation of the Paid Leave Programme, citing the need to review the company's business model, operational structure, and strategic direction in response to challenges within the media industry.",
  "summary": "PETALING JAYA, Nov 4 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the government had previously stepped in...",
  "key_points": [
    "Anwar redirected questions about recent layoffs to Media Mulia Sdn Bhd, the publisher.",
    "Paid Leave Programme announced on November 2 to review company's business model."
  ],
  "editors_take": "The Prime Minister’s admission of past financial interventions highlights a recurring reliance on state support to maintain the stability of major media outlets facing industry-wide structural challenges.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}