How much does Utusan actually have?

Two headlines on Utusan in a day, both dealing with defamation. Firstly, Malaysiakini reported that Selangor executive councillor and Seputeh MP Teresa Kok filed a RM30 mill defamation law suit against former Selangor MB Dr Mohd Khir Toyo and Utusan over the azan controversy, which led to Kok’s ISA detention without trial.

Secondly, it was reported PAS information chief Mahfuz Omar won his defamation suit against Utusan. Utusan was ordered to pay RM120,000.00.

Now, we know that Utusan has had a number of law suits filed against it in 2008 (click here and here). Now, I am aware that some of the public, including Utusan staff, believe this is a frame-up and that it is also oppression of the freedom of expression. This is plausible.

However, I need to ask two things. Firstly, how come Utusan seems to be have more reported defamation law suits filed against it compared to other dailies, of whichever language?

Secondly, if Utusan fails in defending its cases, as with the Mahfuz case, how would this affect Utusan’s employees? How much cash does Utusan have to pay out? This worries me a little because there are many employees involved, including the journalists who question these law suits filed against the paper. If millions of ringgit were to be paid out, and if Utusan’s reputation falters, would it garner readership and advertisements to pull in revenue to sustain the business and its employees?

Serious questions…