Malaysiakini founders wield influence in Asia

Malaysiakini editor-in-chief Steven Gan and chief executive officer Premesh Chandran took the 18th spot in the magazine's annual "Asia's 50 Most Powerful People" supplement.

They were acknowledged for setting up the country’s "only credible, independent voice" and being "a thorn in the side of the establishment."

“The mainstream media rarely publish articles critical of the powers-that-be. Less compliant organs are aligned to opposition political parties. That leaves Web pioneer Malaysiakini as the country's only credible and independent voice," Asiaweek said.

Another high profile Malaysian on the list is business mogul T Ananda Krishnan who captured the 29th spot. The magazine described billionaire Ananda as a communications baron who is “trying to become Southeast Asia’s answer to (media baron) Rupert Murdoch”.

Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad meanwhile was ranked number 39.