Strong leaders are remembered for life – whether for good or bad – says Bernama chairman Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai
By TEE LIN SAY
linsaytee@suketv.com
16 May 2026, 1:20pm
KUALA LUMPUR: Singapore benefits from Malaysians taking many things for granted, such as peace and stability.
People go to Singapore to invest and put their money there simply because it is a predictable, stable and boring country, says Bernama chairman Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai.
“Singapore doesn’t have anything else. They don’t have land. They don’t have commodities. They don’t have natural resources, but they have stability and their banking system works,” says Wong.
“Then over here in Malaysia, democracy is very loud.
“Yes, democracy should be loud, and people should not be afraid to say what they want.
“However, please remember that free speech is not the right to slander or create chaos,” he says.
This is because once that stability is gone, people simply pick up and leave. When this happens, businessmen will not invest here because they do not know whether their lives and businesses could change abruptly.
“We should not be a country where we change the Prime Minister every three years,” says Wong.
Wong is the first Chinese chairman of Bernama, a post he has held since 2023. He is presently serving his second term as chairman.
Wong has, however, downplayed the race aspect of his appointment, saying race and gender are not important.
He said qualifications, experience and acceptance were more important.
Prior to this, Wong also served on Bernama’s board and supervisory council.
He became one of Malaysia’s most prominent journalist during his 40-year tenure with The Star Media Group. He was Group Managing Director and CEO of The Star from 2013 to 2019.
Don’t Just Mix With Your Own Race
On the much-talked-about racial divide in Malaysia, Wong says an effective way to improve the situation is to have more conversations and discussions on the matter.
He says Malaysians need to widen their friendship circles to include people of different races.
“If you are Chinese and you are just hanging around with Chinese guys, I feel sad for you. I am not angry, but I feel sad for you because you only hear their perspective.
“You both have the same mindset, and you are both getting the same narrative. You should mix with people of all races and religions. Then your empathy and bond with other races will improve automatically,” says Wong.
Lee Kuan Yew Intimidated Malaysian Journalists
Wong recalls the first time he met former Singapore Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew.
“One word to describe him – intimidating.”
Wong said it was a session arranged by the Singaporeans, and it was interesting to see how Singapore planned such sessions for the betterment of its future.
“I remember this was perhaps more than 20 years ago. It happened when Lee was no longer Prime Minister. He was travelling around Malaysia because he wanted to better understand Malaysia and its political direction,” says Wong.
The late Lee had instructed the Singapore High Commissioner that he specifically did not want to meet any current media bosses.
He wanted to meet younger journalists, those who would one day hold high positions in the media.
“I was news editor at The Star Media Group back then. I remember Kay Tat was also in the room. (Dato Ho Kay Tat is today the Group CEO of The Edge Media Group.)
“When he came in, we were all silent. Everyone was intimidated by Lee Kuan Yew because of his reputation, right? Then he looked at me and said:
‘Young man, I am not a mind reader. Please speak up.’
“Oh my goodness. I never forgot that quote!” says Wong.
“Man, that was scary,” Wong recalls.
“Basically, Lee wanted to know whether Malaysia would one day come under PAS (the Malaysian Islamic Party) leadership.
“At that point, I said no, it would not happen. He asked me to give him my reasons, and I told him.”
Wong says that even today, the Singaporean leadership continues to assess the situation.
“They still have this fear that one day Malaysia will be under PAS,” says Wong.
Wong Would Love to Interview Putin
With all the interesting people Wong has interviewed during his 40 years as a journalist, he says he would love to interview Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“I have this strong perception and liking for leaders who command respect . . . through fear. People like Vladimir Putin, Xi Jinping and Donald Trump.
“These are leaders that people remember for life, whether for good or bad, right? These strong characters have always had my admiration,” he concludes.
Web Edited by YAN PHENG LIANG
yanphengliang@suketv.com