The Edge’s only agenda is to serve the truth, says chairman Tong as publication unveils book on 30-year journey

Emir Zainul
4-min read

Chairman and owner Tan Sri Tong Kooi Ong said he started the publication with one mission in mind: to provide credible news that empowers readers to make informed business and investment decisions.

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 Malaysia’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 Kuala Lumpur.

“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, Tunku Besar Seri Menanti Tunku Ali Redhauddin Tuanku Muhriz, 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.

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.

The book will be available in bookstores soon.

This story first appeared in The Edge Malaysia.

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