SJA president urges journalists to uphold truth in digital era
KOTA KINABALU (June 30): Sabah Journalists Association (SJA) president Mariah Doksil has urged media practitioners across the state to safeguard the core values of journalism amid the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), emphasizing that machines can never replace human integrity, empathy, and truth-telling.
Speaking at the Kinabalu Press Awards (KPA) 2025 held at Magellan Sutera on Sunday night, Mariah highlighted both the challenges and the enduring spirit of Sabah's media community.
'Some of us depend too much on AI to write news, to the point that we let a chatbot decide the facts and the style of writing,' she said.
'Yes, AI is smart and helpful, but it has its limits — especially when the topic is complex. We should not rely on a machine to write or edit for us. Let's not surrender our creative juice,' she stressed.
Citing Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's recent RM30 million allocation for digital transformation under the National Journalists Day (HAWANA) celebration, Mariah urged that the funds be used wisely.
'I hope this allocation will help journalists in Sabah not only to prioritise factual accuracy untouched by AI manipulation but also to preserve the soul and empathy in news reporting,' she said.
Acknowledging the mounting challenges faced by mainstream media, Mariah pointed to shifting reading habits, shrinking job opportunities, and waning interest among the youth due to low salaries.
Despite this tough landscape, she reaffirmed the critical role of traditional media in combating misinformation, especially as Sabah heads into another election season.
'Mainstream media plays a crucial role in ensuring fair, accurate and balanced reporting, particularly when we are flooded with false or half-truths on various social media platforms,' she said.
Mariah also proposed that the state government consider forming smart partnerships with media organisations or through government-linked companies (GLCs) to sustain the media industry.
'SJA believes that such partnerships can ensure the media remains healthy and empowered to continue its responsibility of delivering credible information to society,' she said, adding that any long-term solution requires strong, committed entities.
Mariah expressed appreciation to the Sabah government, noting that this year's KPA received RM110,000 in funding — an increase of RM10,000 from the previous year.
'We deeply appreciate the unwavering support from Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor and the Sabah Government, which makes it possible for us to hold such a prestigious event,' she said.
She also thanked Sabah's media community for their dedication: 'Tonight, we gather not only to recognise excellent works but also to celebrate the spirit of journalism. Behind every byline, photo credit, audio and visual recording, we too have our own stories of truth-telling, capturing moments with precision and writing with integrity.'
On behalf of SJA, she appealed for increased sponsorship for next year's Kinabalu Press Awards.
In a poignant gesture, Mariah shared the story of Stefyanie Myla — a former full-time reporter turned stringer to care for her ill two-year-old son. Inside each guest's goody bag was a packet of Beras Wangi rice sold by Stefyanie.
'This year, the committee decided to support Stefyanie by purchasing 100 packets of rice as gifts for our invited guests. It's a small gesture but filled with meaning, reminding us of the strength of our community and how we uplift one another in times of need,' she said.
The awards ceremony was officiated by Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, who represented Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor.
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