FEB 18 — What do you call a person who sells his or her services to a bidder and forgets about principles and even the higher calling of truth?

A prostitute would fit the bill.

So I am puzzled why DAP election publicity chief Hew Kuan Yau apologised to journalists for saying that mainstream media reporters can be bought. Where maybe he was wrong was to generalise, but many of the editors and journalists in the mainstream media have sold their souls and profession.

The editors have sold out to Putrajaya in exchange for Datukships, land, pink forms and protection so that they can stay in their cushy positions.

Some of these editors have sold out to corporate businessman so that they can enjoy huge discounts on houses or condominiums, travel junkets, and earn enough side money to buy property overseas.

The lowly journalists know that many of their bosses are only journalists in name and, therefore, also take the cue and accept money from businessmen and politicians to ensure these payers get good coverage.

This is the mainstream media by and large. Devoid of any principles. Having become used to accepting money and other gratifications, they are quite prepared to skew the news about the opposition and paint a dishonest picture of the government.

So I think that despite the apology by Hew, most of us know that strong words are needed when describing the mainstream media.

* Spencer Gan reads The Malaysian Insider.

* This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication. The Malaysian Insider does not endorse the view unless specified.