George Soros casts new political shadow

The controversy involving George Soros in Thailand has barely quietened down when a fresh one has emerged in Malaysia. The neighbouring country is seeing a political crisis that looks increasingly similar to ours, and the man’s apparent shadow is making it more so. Again, he has been associated with a media group. Again, one side in a political divide is not happy about it.
Several hundred pro-government demonstrators protested outside the office of that media group in Malaysia on Saturday, calling for it to be shut down after reports that it received funding from his controversial philanthropist network. The largely Malay group, calling itself “Red Shirts”, alleged that Soros’ funds were being used by the popular news portal, Malaysiakini, to influence the next general election and topple embattled Prime Minister Najib Razak.
Here, we have two major controversies combined. Najib has been reeling from a massive corruption scandal after admitting that an enormous amount of money was in his bank account. He decided to stay put, although the biggest street protests unseen in recent political history broke out against him and some former powerful allies including former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad turned into his sworn enemies. He’s a democratically elected leader facing mass protests and anti-corruption uproar, a political crisis marked by the colour yellow on one side and red on the other.
How controversial Soros is probably doesn’t require much explanation. Being both a financial wizard and philanthropist is a big irony in itself. On the one hand, his financial activities must have ruined a number of innocent lives. On the other hand, he appears hell-bent on promoting justice and freedom.
That Soros’ funds, controversial, are allegedly being used against Najib, also controversial, makes the whole thing doubly controversial. This is not to mention the possibility that funds from the same man may have been used elsewhere to defend allegedly corrupt figures. We all know Soros is mysterious, but perhaps nobody ever knows how mysterious he really is.
He is the founder and chairman of Open Society, which is a network of foundations, partners and projects in over 100 countries. Supporters say he is driven by desires to create an open and just society, where rights are respected, government is accountable, and all truth is freely told. Scholarships and funds are given, mostly to people fighting for political causes in their countries. In the United States, he has been said to be anti-Republican and well loved by much of the Democratic camp.
Like in Thailand, the editor of the Malaysian news group funded by Soros insisted his editorial content could not be influenced by any donor, sponsor, or financial contributor. And like in Thailand, doubts have been expressed over such a pledge.
The media work best when they work “alone”. That remains the truest statement, which, however, is sounding more and more idealistic. Like it or not, George Soros’ “Open Society” concept is taking advantage of the fact that the news media are losing ground to technological changes, which have been chipping away at subscriptions and advertising, the main pillars of income. Open Society funds are controversial in politically peaceful nations, and a lot more so in politically volatile countries.
Controversies like the ones in Thailand and Malaysia are bound to happen elsewhere, as news media groups struggle to stay afloat. When there’s a demand, there’s always a supply, but the functionality of the media as well as the ethics involved are a lot more complicated than those of most other businesses. Whether he’s a philanthropist or a financial wizard, George Soros is supposed to know this. Which leaves just one question – what will he do about it?