Journalists as vital as educators, security forces, says S'wak deputy minister
Abdullah says that the contributions of ethical media practitioners such as those who report truthfully and with integrity, play a vital role in building an informed and progressive public. – Photo by Chimon Upon
KUCHING (May 29): The work of experienced and responsible journalists is more critical than ever in shaping a knowledgeable, constructive, and competitive society, said Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department (Corporate Affairs, Information and Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas)), Datuk Abdullah Saidol.
In conjunction with the National Journalists' Day, Abdullah in a statement stressed that the contributions of ethical media practitioners such as those who report truthfully and with integrity, play a vital role in building an informed and progressive public.
'As the media landscape continues to evolve alongside the digital revolution, the integrity and professionalism of journalists must be upheld to counter the spread of misinformation and misleading narratives often found on alternative platforms,' he said.
He also acknowledged that the rise of social media and influencers has introduced new characters in the delivery of information, stories, and commentary, often blurring the lines between fact and opinion.
'Ethical journalists who sincerely strive to deliver verified and accurate information now face mounting challenges, especially when irresponsible use of media platforms leads to confusion and distortion of facts,' he said.
Abdullah also paid tribute to the tireless efforts of media personnel who work in all conditions, from reporters on the ground braving the elements, to those behind the scenes ensuring news reaches the public in a timely manner.
'The sacrifices and dedication shown by members of the press, whether out in the field or rushing to meet deadlines in the office, deserve the utmost appreciation,' he said.
Apart from that, he also likened the role of journalists to that of educators and security personnel, saying their contributions to the nation are equally essential in safeguarding the public's right to accurate information and fostering critical thinking. Abdullah Saidol journalists
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Sun
11 hours ago
- The Sun
HAWANA strategic partners laud media's role to elevate nation's image
KUALA LUMPUR: Strategic partners of National Journalists' Day (HAWANA) 2025 have described their sponsorship as a crucial effort to strengthen the media's role in shaping Malaysia's image and reputation on the global stage. World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL) Group Managing Director Datuk Seri Dr Irmohizam Ibrahim said the decision to become the official venue for this year's HAWANA celebration is a gesture of appreciation for the media industry. 'HAWANA is the ideal platform to recognise and honour the contributions of journalists. Organising such events should not rest on one entity alone, but require collaboration across multiple agencies to ensure their mission and vision are fully realised,' he told Bernama. Irmohizam was met at the HAWANA 2025-Bernama Strategic Partners' Appreciation Ceremony and Official Launch of BERNAMA Motorhome-Mobile Studio by Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil at Wisma Bernama here today. Present were Communications Ministry secretary-general Datuk Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa, as well as Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) chief executive officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin and editor-in-chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj, who is also HAWANA 2025 project director. Meanwhile, GM Klang Brand Communication executive Nurhani Yasmeen Mohd Zainan said the company's sponsorship for HAWANA reflects its appreciation for the media's continuous support of local industry development. 'We hope our contribution helps further develop the media sector and journalism as a whole. 'Indeed, the media plays a vital role in communicating GM Klang's activities to the public,' she said. The sentiment was shared by Amanah Saham Nasional Berhad (ASNB) Head of Marketing and Branding Natasha Abd Aziz, who praised the consistent support from media practitioners, especially the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama), in expanding Permodalan Nasional Berhad's (PNB) financial literacy initiatives nationwide. 'Bernama plays a key role in national development as a primary news source for the public. 'We highly value journalists' efforts, especially in navigating the many challenges of producing quality reporting,' she said. HAWANA 2025, slated to be held from June 13 to 15 at the WTCKL with the theme 'Journalism in the New Era: Embracing AI, Safeguarding Ethics', has so far attracted support from 79 strategic partners, up from 44 last year, signalling increased trust in the nation's largest journalism event. The main ceremony of the celebration will be on June 14, with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim being the guest of honour. More than 1,000 media practitioners, representatives of local journalists' associations and media representatives from ASEAN member states are expected to attend the celebration while exchanging ideas as well as establishing strategic relationships. HAWANA, now in its fifth edition since its debut in 2018, is organised annually to recognise the essential role of journalists in national development.
The Sun
11 hours ago
- The Sun
HAWANA strategic partners laud media's role
KUALA LUMPUR: Strategic partners of National Journalists' Day (HAWANA) 2025 have described their sponsorship as a crucial effort to strengthen the media's role in shaping Malaysia's image and reputation on the global stage. World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL) Group Managing Director Datuk Seri Dr Irmohizam Ibrahim said the decision to become the official venue for this year's HAWANA celebration is a gesture of appreciation for the media industry. 'HAWANA is the ideal platform to recognise and honour the contributions of journalists. Organising such events should not rest on one entity alone, but require collaboration across multiple agencies to ensure their mission and vision are fully realised,' he told Bernama. Irmohizam was met at the HAWANA 2025-Bernama Strategic Partners' Appreciation Ceremony and Official Launch of BERNAMA Motorhome-Mobile Studio by Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil at Wisma Bernama here today. Present were Communications Ministry secretary-general Datuk Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa, as well as Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) chief executive officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin and editor-in-chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj, who is also HAWANA 2025 project director. Meanwhile, GM Klang Brand Communication executive Nurhani Yasmeen Mohd Zainan said the company's sponsorship for HAWANA reflects its appreciation for the media's continuous support of local industry development. 'We hope our contribution helps further develop the media sector and journalism as a whole. 'Indeed, the media plays a vital role in communicating GM Klang's activities to the public,' she said. The sentiment was shared by Amanah Saham Nasional Berhad (ASNB) Head of Marketing and Branding Natasha Abd Aziz, who praised the consistent support from media practitioners, especially the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama), in expanding Permodalan Nasional Berhad's (PNB) financial literacy initiatives nationwide. 'Bernama plays a key role in national development as a primary news source for the public. 'We highly value journalists' efforts, especially in navigating the many challenges of producing quality reporting,' she said. HAWANA 2025, slated to be held from June 13 to 15 at the WTCKL with the theme 'Journalism in the New Era: Embracing AI, Safeguarding Ethics', has so far attracted support from 79 strategic partners, up from 44 last year, signalling increased trust in the nation's largest journalism event. The main ceremony of the celebration will be on June 14, with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim being the guest of honour. More than 1,000 media practitioners, representatives of local journalists' associations and media representatives from ASEAN member states are expected to attend the celebration while exchanging ideas as well as establishing strategic relationships. HAWANA, now in its fifth edition since its debut in 2018, is organised annually to recognise the essential role of journalists in national development.
The Sun
11 hours ago
- The Sun
Preparation for HAWANA 2025 celebration reaches 80%
KUALA LUMPUR: Preparation for the June 14 National Journalists' Day (HAWANA) 2025 celebration has reached 80 per cent, said Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) chief executive officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin. She said preparations are actively underway by Bernama staff to ensure everything goes as planned. 'In fact, this evening, we will meet again to ensure this year's event will again be successful and run smoothly, thus meeting the expectations and satisfaction of those who will be attending,' she said when met by reporters after the HAWANA 2025-Bernama Strategic Partners' Appreciation Ceremony and Official Launch of BERNAMA Motorhome at Wisma Bernama here. The event was officiated by Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil. Also present were Communications Ministry Secretary-General Datuk Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa; Bernama Editor-in-Chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj, who is also the director of the HAWANA 2025 Project; as well as members of Bernama's top management. Nur-ul Afida, who is also the HAWANA 2025 Working Committee chairman, also expressed her appreciation to its 79 strategic partners, comprising ministries, departments, agencies and companies who are committed to making the HAWANA 2025 highlight and side programmes a success. 'I'm extremely grateful for the support and cooperation from our strategic partners, with the number of sponsors for this year's edition seeing a significant increase to almost 80 from 44 last year. 'This is proof that our strategic partners recognise the role played by Bernama, as the implementing agency of HAWANA 2025 under the Ministry of Communications, and also acknowledging the role and experience of media practitioners in our country,' she said. Themed 'Journalism in the New Era: Embracing AI, Safeguarding Ethics', the HAWANA 2025 celebration will be held at World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTC KL) from June 13 to 15, with the highlight celebration on June 14 being officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. More than 1,000 media practitioners, representatives of local journalist associations and media delegates from ASEAN member states are expected to attend, bringing together the professional media fraternity and industry experts to exchange ideas and forge strategic partnerships.
