Defend society’s right to know, media reminded

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Cutting a cake (front row, from second left): Lim, Tiong, Lau, Shim, Wong, Yeh, Goh, Datuk Edward Yong, Abidin, Chin, Yong, Teo and Liew.

KOTA KINABALU: Media practitioners have been reminded to constantly strive for self-improvement but at the same time to defend the society’s right to know.

Kota Kinabalu Journalists Association (KKJA)  press night 2012 organising chairman Yong Ted Phen said media practitioners should exercise care and caution in the execution of their duties taking into consideration the advancement of technology and the constant change of views espoused by society.

The incident where journalists in Kuala Lumpur were treated with aggression and the frequent legal suits initiated against the press were cited as examples.

“Media practitioners should constantly strive for self-improvement, aspire to defend the profession as well as fulfill the right to know of the readers and the society at large.

“We hope the aspiration to uphold the freedom of the press and the freedom of speech will be supported by the members of the society and together create a better and a more prosperous nation,” Yong said in his speech during the event on Friday.

Also present were Assistant Minister of Local Government and Housing Datuk Edward Yong Oui Fah, Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister’s Department Datuk Edward Khoo Keok Hai, Senator Datuk Chin Su Phin, Tanjung Kapor assemblyman Datuk Teo Chee Kang, Mayor Datuk Abidin Madingkir, KKJA advisors Datuk Lau Kok Sing, Datuk James Hwong, Datuk Agnes Shim, Datuk Clement Yeh, Datuk Tiong Tan Hua, Ngu Ngiong Hieng, Datuk Susan Wong, Datuk Paul Lim, Frankie Liew, Candy Wong, Dr Wah Hai Sit and KKJA president Jimmy Goh Kiang Kiong.