FOR the first time in Malaysian history, four local media organisations have formed an alliance to offer readers diversified and in-depth content.

Star Media Group’s English daily The Star has teamed up with Chinese newspaper Sin Chew Daily, Malay daily Sinar Harian and local news broadcaster Astro Awani to share resources and collaborate on news content.

“We have decided to form this alliance to reflect a better representation of the people of Malaysia, to carry their voices on important issues affecting the nation,” says Star Media Group chief content officer Esther Ng, who tags the alliance as “Media in Arms”.

Concurring, Sin Chew Daily editor in chief Kuik Cheng Kang says, “We believe one walks faster alone, but we walk further in a group. The four credible and innovative media will complement each other. Readers would be presented with diversified and quality content.”

For Rozaid Rahman, Sinar Harian’s editor in chief, it’s an opportunity to contribute to the direction of the country.

“We hope that through this collaboration, the media that represents the voice of the people will be able to bring a more constructive, comprehensive and dynamic view in shaping the policy and direction of the country in the future,” he says.

Echoing this, Astro Awani’s editor in chief Ashwad Ismail says,

“Astro Awani’s collaboration with three major newspapers in the country aims to offer better and comprehensive coverage for the community and the country.

“In any situation, the media is always cohesive, building strength and optimism for all.”

The media alliance will feature detailed reports on issues related to national, social and public interests for the readers.

The reports will offer a more comprehensive view from different perspectives to highlight issues that we believe deserve more attention from the authorities. The joint reports will be published by the media alliance partners simultaneously.

To start off, the media alliance will focus on Undi18; with 5.8 million new voters automatically registered and more to join the electoral roll every month under Undi18, it will definitely be a pivotal time at the ballot box for the country.

“Undi18: My country, my decision” is the first joint report by the Media in Arms.