Son Reflects On Rozaid's Unwavering Dedication To Journalism
Roz Ariffin, 34, Rozaid's eldest son, told Bernama this after accepting the award from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, describing the recognition as a great honour for the family.
"My family and I would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the HAWANA organisers for this meaningful recognition. Honestly, I feel an overwhelming sadness as it should have been my late father standing here to receive this award himself," he said at the 2025 HAWANA celebration main event at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL) today.
Rozaid, who passed away on Aug 18, 2024, from a heart attack at the age of 59, is regarded as a towering figure in Malaysian journalism, with a career spanning over four decades.
Born in Nibong Tebal, Penang, on Oct 1, 1964, Rozaid began his career as a cadet reporter with Utusan Melayu on April 21, 1984. He later rose to the position of chief reporter and, at the age of 27, made history as the youngest individual to be appointed as news editor of Kumpulan Utusan.
Roz Ariffin, a part-time editor at a local media company, said his father consistently set an example for the family that hard work would always bring lasting rewards. That unwavering dedication, he said, was evident throughout his life.
"Even while unwell, he continued to ask about daily assignments and work developments at the office. He kept up with current affairs and never neglected his responsibilities.
"..In the two months leading up to his passing, he tired easily and lacked energy, yet even in that condition, he never once abandoned his duties. That has been a source of inspiration for all of us," he said.
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