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Borneo Post
02-07-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Madani Government reaffirms commitment to ethical, resilient media ecosystem, says DPM Fadillah
Fadillah (centre) receives a souvenir from Abdullah while Lee (right) looks on. – Photo by Chimon Upon KUCHING (July 2): The Madani Government remains steadfast in its commitment to cultivating a robust, ethical, and resilient media ecosystem in Malaysia, said Deputy Prime Minister Dato Sri Fadillah Yusof. He said this commitment reached a milestone with the passing of the Malaysian Media Council Bill 2024 – a significant step toward industry self-regulation, symbolising trust, maturity, and empowerment. 'Just last month, during National Journalists' Day (Hawana) 2025, our Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil announced ground breaking protections for part-time and freelance journalists – stringers – through Socso and the i-Saraan EPF scheme, benefitting thousands, while also extending travel support through 50 per cent AirAsia fare discounts across Asean destinations. 'These are not just policies. These are affirmations of respect for your labour, your integrity, and your service to society,' Fadillah said during the Sarawak Media Conference (SMeC) 2025 and Hawana dinner at a hotel here this evening. He emphasised the pivotal role of media in national development. 'The media is not a bystander in national development. It is a vital strategic partner. Journalists are not just storytellers. You are the eyes that witness truth, the ears that listen to the nation's heartbeat, and the pens that shape understanding. You give voice to the voiceless. 'You hold power to account. You keep democracy alive. In this age of misinformation, your role becomes more crucial than ever. When truth is drowned in a flood of falsehoods, you are the beacons of clarity, the guardians of integrity,' he said. Fadillah also spoke about the disruptive impact of artificial intelligence on all aspects of life, including journalism. 'AI is changing the world at lightning speed. It touches everything — our food, our jobs, our homes, even our privacy and security. And yes, it is transforming journalism. But the question is not whether AI will shape the future. It will. The real question is: Will we shape AI – or will AI shape us? 'And that is why this conversation is so important. I do not pretend to have all the answers. But what I do have is faith – in the power of dialogue, of collective wisdom, and of a media community that is not afraid to evolve,' he said. As Sarawak pursues its ambition to become a high-income, green, and tech-driven economy under the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, he called on the media to continue amplifying stories that matter. 'Let your platforms be spaces where the truth is heard, where dignity is preserved, and where hope is never extinguished,' he said. As a proud Sarawakian, Fadillah expressed his pride in Sarawak's leadership through the SMeC platform, which brings together policymakers and media practitioners for open dialogue and mutual learning. He also paid tribute to two Sarawakians — The Borneo Post and Utusan Borneo General Manager Madam Phyllis Wong, and Kuching Division Journalists Association President Ronnie Teo — who are among the founding members of the national Media Consultative Council. 'Their presence is a testament to the strength and leadership this state contributes to the national media landscape,' he said. Also present were Sarawak Deputy Transport Minister, Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin and Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department (Corporate Affairs, Information and Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas)) Datuk Abdullah Saidol, who chaired the event's organising committee. The highlight of the evening was the presentation of media awards. The editors category were won by Bernama Sarawak Bureau Chief Hamdan Ismail, Sarawak Tribune Chief Editor Aden Nagrace and Dayak Daily Director Cheng Lian Hiok. The reporters category were won by Sarawak Tribune's Caroline Anne Ranyed Jackson, RTM's Dayang Fatimah Awang Lai and RTM's Petrus Abai. The news casters category was won by RTM Sarawak's Khalid Suut while the Radio (DJ) category were won by Red FM's Teo Oh Meng and Cats FM's Sharbarudin Abu Bakar. The photographers category were won by Sarawak Public Communications Unit's Mohammad Rais Sanusi and TV3 Sarawak's Basri Mohamad.
Borneo Post
15-06-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Sabah Journalists welcome digital transformation allocation, urge inclusive implementation and support for stringers
Mariah Doksil KOTA KINABALU (June 15): The Sabah Journalists Association (SJA) has welcomed the federal government's allocation for digital transformation in the media sector, calling it a timely recognition of journalism's evolving role in an increasingly digital and AI-driven world. In a statement on Sunday, SJA President Mariah Doksil said the initiative reflects the government's acknowledgment of the media's vital contribution towards building an informed and democratic society. 'The Sabah Journalists Association (SJA) welcomes the digital transformation allocation. We view it as a significant recognition in shaping an informed and democratic society,' she said. Mariah stressed that the allocation presents an opportunity for media practitioners to equip themselves with new skills, adapt to modern tools, and enhance storytelling quality in the face of rapid technological advancements. 'In a world increasingly shaped by AI, journalists must be equipped with the right competencies to remain relevant and ethical. We hope that any training or programmes under this allocation will help journalists not only prioritise factual accuracy without AI manipulation, but also retain the human soul, 'ada jiwa' and empathy in journalism,' she added. She also underscored the need for inclusive implementation of the programme, urging meaningful engagement with state-level media associations. 'Engagement sessions with state-level media associations are essential. Participation from Sabah and Sarawak should not be treated as token or a mere formality. Clear KPIs should be established to measure the programme's impact effectively,' said Mariah. On the government's move to enhance the welfare of media stringers both local and national through the PERKESO social protection scheme and i-Saraan EPF contributions, SJA expressed its appreciation and called for accessibility and clarity in implementation. 'Local stringers are the backbone of rural coverage, while national stringers provide diverse perspectives from Sabah to the national level. These initiatives are timely and much-needed steps towards safeguarding their social protection and securing their futures. We hope these programmes will be accessible and user-friendly for the intended recipients,' she said. Mariah also proposed the establishment of a dedicated platform to collect and maintain data on stringers nationwide, aimed at providing more structured and targeted support. 'Among our 115 active SJA members, approximately 20 percent are stringers. A centralised platform would go a long way in ensuring their needs are met and their contributions better recognised,' she added. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced an allocation of RM30 million to support media organisations in digital transformation initiatives and the adoption of new technologies for content production when officiating the National Journalists' Day (Hawana) 2025 celebration at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur on Saturday. He said the allocation aligns with efforts to strengthen the country's media ecosystem and ensure its sustainability.
