A Bursa Malaysia filing by the Star Media Group Berhad said Wong had submitted his “retirement” as the group managing director and CEO of the company, which runs the newspaper.

The filing also noted that he would however continue to serve as a “group adviser” on editorial and corporate matters.

An announcement would be made when a “suitable successor” was appointed.

Wong, 57, in an adieu message to his friends in the media through WhatsApp, said he was thankful to the company for having him as managing director and CEO of the company for the past six years.

He recalled receiving a pay of “about RM300” a month when he first joined The Star in 1984 as a reporter in Penang.

In 2007, he was made the youngest group chief editor at the age of 46.

“I joined The Star for what it stood for, despite its lower pay, compared with other established media outlets then.

“While there is always hype over how politics should be reported, I’d like to emphasise that we have continuously advocated moderation as our brand.

“Transformation has taken place and we are completely into the digital era, where we are digital first.

“I will leave my trusted colleagues, whom I’m sure will do a better job, to deal with the changing times.”