PM: Journalists are custodians of integrity
In conjunction with the National Journalists' Day 2025 (Hawana) celebration today, the prime minister expressed his appreciation to all journalists for their dedication, courage, and commitment in carrying out their trust to society and the nation.
"In an era of information explosion and the challenge of fake news proliferation, the role of journalists becomes increasingly vital, not merely to convey news, but to filter, scrutinise, and uphold the truth," he said via a Facebook post yesterday.
Hawana is celebrated annually on May 29, and for 2025, the Hawana Summit will be held on June 14 at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL).
Anwar is scheduled to officiate the celebration with an estimated attendance of about 1,000 media practitioners from within and outside the country.
Hawana, organised by the Communications Ministry with the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) as the implementing agency, will feature various events, including a Pantun Festival on May 31, a pre-launch event with strategic partners at Wisma Bernama on June 3, and a media forum jointly organised by the Malaysian Press Institute (MPI) on June 14.
Hawana, now in its fifth edition this year after its first organisation in 2018, is an annual event that brings together media practitioners to appreciate their role and contributions to nation's development.
– Bernama
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Express
22 minutes ago
- Daily Express
Anwar meets Hajiji and Zahid
Published on: Wednesday, August 20, 2025 Published on: Wed, Aug 20, 2025 Text Size: Anwar (right) during the meeting with Zahid (left) and Hajiji. Kuala Lumpur: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim emphasised that close cooperation between state and federal leaders is essential to ensure the aspirations of the people are realised in a comprehensive and inclusive manner. The Pakatan Harapan (PH) Chairman said he had held a meeting with Barisan Nasional (BN) Chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) Chairman Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, conducted in a harmonious atmosphere marked by camaraderie. Advertisement 'This meeting reflects political maturity and a commitment to strengthening cooperation to ensure the country's stability, particularly in the context of relations between the Federal Government and Sabah. 'I believe political stability is a crucial foundation for advancing development agendas and safeguarding the welfare of the people,' he said in a Facebook post. Anwar, who is also PKR President, expressed hope that this spirit of consensus will continue to underpin stronger national unity, leading to a progressive, just and prosperous future for all in Malaysia. PH is in separate pacts with GRS and BN for the Sabah election, as the two coalitions have refused to work together despite Anwar's urging. Sabah BN previously said any form of cooperation with GRS would only be considered after the outcome of the state polls, which must be held by December. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
The Sun
36 minutes ago
- The Sun
Urgent need to address plight of Indian community, says Anwar
PETALING JAYA: While poverty is most prevalent among Malays due to their larger population, the Indian community faces a far sharper struggle, particularly in abandoned estate settlements, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He said their plight must be urgently addressed, with housing and livelihood issues among the top priorities. Anwar reaffirmed that the government's poverty eradication framework is based on need rather than race with a clear focus on eliminating hardcore poverty across all communities. He said allocations under the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah scheme have significantly benefited Indian households, beginning with RM500 million in 2022 and rising to RM972 million by 2025. He also cited the RM1.2 billion Housing Credit Guarantee Scheme, along with targeted allocations for education and housing. Responding to calls for the revival of programmes such as the Amanah Saham Masyarakat India to boost equity ownership, he cautioned against framing poverty solely in racial terms. 'Even Malays, who make up 60% of the population, have yet to reach 30% equity. The challenge cuts across all races,' he said, pointing out that almost RM1 billion was directed in 2024 alone to poor Indian households, particularly in estates. He added that long-term solutions depend on strengthening SMEs and entrepreneurship. 'We can achieve zero hardcore poverty – families having food, shelter, schooling and transport. That is achievable. But poverty as a relative concept will always exist. 'Hardcore poverty, however, we can and must end.' Anwar also dismissed claims that aid for the Indian community is channelled solely through the Malaysian Indian Community Transformation Unit (Mitra). He said Mitra's RM100 million allocation represents only part of a broader pool of support coordinated across ministries. 'In 2024, out of the RM100 million allocated for Mitra, RM98.9 million was spent, benefiting more than 122,000 members of the Indian community.' He said this included RM93 million in early education subsidies, RM17.6 million in higher education aid for the Indian B40 group and RM2.99 million for 6,000 laptops distributed to Tamil schools. He added that for this year, the government is adopting a more integrated approach, ensuring Mitra works closely with ministries to maximise impact. 'For example, if the Housing and Local Government Ministry spends RM20 million on housing projects, Mitra will top up with an additional RM5 million to cover shortfalls. 'ICT laboratory equipment for 50 Tamil schools will also be jointly funded by the Education Ministry and Mitra. The main focus remains education and poverty alleviation, but development must not be fragmented.'
The Sun
2 hours ago
- The Sun
Billions spent but armed forces assets outdated: PM
PETALING JAYA: Billions have been spent on defence, yet Malaysia is still deploying ships from 1976 – a failure Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim says is due to flawed procurement practices weakened by political interference and over-reliance on private agents. He said Malaysia must cut its dependence on intermediaries and instead prioritise government-to-government agreements which provide greater accountability and help avoid political or personal interests. Speaking in Parliament yesterday, Anwar said the wasteful spending of the past had left the armed forces struggling with outdated equipment. 'Even ships from 1976 are still in service because we do not have enough vessels. Imagine that. Billions spent, but ships are lacking. 'Back then, I was still at Kamunting, and yet those ships are still being deployed today because there are no other ships available. This is a lesson for us.' Anwar said future procurements must involve proper negotiations, strict cost scrutiny and expert evaluation. The outcry over outdated assets has reached the highest level, with His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia warning against putting servicemen in 'flying coffins'. Speaking at the Rejimen Gerak Khas 60th anniversary parade last week, the King reminded the Defence Ministry not to repeat past procurement blunders, citing the ill-fated Skyhawk aircraft deal, and urged greater transparency to prevent middlemen from inflating costs. Anwar said Malaysia's defence budget had risen from RM3 billion in 2020 to RM5 billion in 2024 in response to mounting geopolitical threats. He cited the military build-up by the Philippines and the United States in southern Philippines, reportedly triggered by Chinese activity in the South China Sea. On internal security concerns, Anwar cited recent incidents, including of a syndicate involving senior Malaysian Armed Forces officers leaking operational information. He said the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) uncovered bribery ranging from RM30,000 to RM50,000 per trip in that case. 'These are serious national security issues which I am treating with utmost priority. A comprehensive investigation into alleged leaks within the military's intelligence apparatus is already underway. 'If there are groups, akin to cartels, profiting by selling confidential information, this is a grave matter for the nation. 'Let a preliminary investigation be carried out. I have already briefed the Royal Malaysian Air Force chief and the relevant parties, including the Intelligence Division director. 'I am awaiting the initial report but we will not cover up anything. If we begin compromising on breaches within our intelligence apparatus, it would be disastrous for the country.' Separately, Anwar addressed corruption allegations involving Sabah state assemblymen. Responding to Beluran MP Datuk Seri Ronald Kiandee's question on why only two out of eight individuals implicated were charged, Anwar said MACC would only proceed with cases that are 'substantive in facts and law'. He said video or voice recordings alone are insufficient without corroborative evidence. He added that according to MACC, those who were charged are the ones against whom it is confident there is sufficient evidence and legal basis, not mere hearsay.
