KENINGAU: Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Tan Sri Joseph Kurup described the role of the media as more powerful in changing and influencing the thinking of people and leaders in their lives.
Recalling an expression of former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad in 1998 entitled “Press For Builders”, Kurup said he was touched because newspapers could make up the minds of people and leaders towards the formation of good and bad morals.
“This statement clearly called on the media to disseminate information with responsibility, objectivity and sensitivity to the plural society in this country,” he said in a speech at a media luncheon with the minister at Perkasa Hotel here yesterday.
Citing a speech by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Abdul Razak Mohamad at the National Press Club Award Ceremony (NPC) – NAZA 2011, he said, Najib stated that “media’s abilities to cover sensitive issues in ways that are prudent and balanced show a high level of social responsibility” and he praised the professionalism of the media.
“Media brings diversity and vibrancy of this country to the people of Malaysia, media makes sure everyone understands the issues that are important.”
Kurup said the ability of the media in shaping public perception is important in order to play the role of the media to foster unity with the government in ensuring continuity of robust solidarity and prosperity of the people in the country can be achieved.
“Unity of the people is the foundation of the country’s power and with their unity, we can create a more harmonious living environment, political stability, economic strength and social balance in the society.
“Solidarity is an important aspect in the country’s development and progress that we enjoy today are the result of unity among the various races in the country.
“The situation is safe for this has enabled the government to carry out planned development of the country and bring progress and prosperity to the people,” he said.
Kurup, who is also Pensiangan member of parliament, added the government had to prove that unity is the key to peace, welfare and prosperity of the people and the country.
He said duties and responsibilities of strengthening unity were not that of the government alone, but together it becomes the duty of the government, political leaders, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), local authorities, media organizations and others so that solidarity can be maintained and preserved forever.
“I am confident that in ensuring the development and consolidation of national efforts undertaken by the government to achieve its goal, then the media are responsible for effectively communicating their message to the people.
“This step is important to prevent the onset of disputes or misconceptions and misunderstanding among the public about some of the things that touch on current issues, particularly affecting racial sensitivity.
“If one of these responses was not handled wisely, especially in the Interior areas, it is feared that there are interested parties out to distort the facts to suit their agenda and political interests,” he said.
Kurup said it was the responsibility of all people who love peace and progress to ensure unity among the various races can be maintained.
He said it needed to be cultivated so that the country would continue to progress and prosper in the years to come.
According to him, in the cyber world which is rapidly growing and challenging today, the government found that the culture and practice of unity was forgotten, especially by the younger generation of today.
Kurup said that practising the principles of Rukunegara was the responsibility of every citizen who loves this country.
The second prime minister, Tun Abdul Razak had said, “Our goal is to eventually build a progressive country and moving forward in line with advances in science and technology. Without practice Rukunegara will be a piece of mail document that has no meaning.”
Therefore in providing a clear understanding of communities in Interior areas of related practices of unity and appreciation of the Rukunegara, the assistance and cooperation of the media, especially in the interior areas, was needed to revive the culture of solidarity and recital and appreciation of the Rukunegara, Kurup said.
“I am very confident with the commitment and continuous efforts exerted by the media my pillar of strength will continue to serve and contribute to the community and this desire is in line with the continuity of the struggle of the Barisan Nasional (BN) government which is based on the interests and priorities of the people in implementing policies and direction of the country,” he said.
Present at the event were National Integration and National Unity Department deputy director General Kapli Emek, Upper Interior Information Officer Author Ting, Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS) Youth chief Author Kurup, media representatives, officials from the Prime Minister’s Department, Information Department and National Integration and Unity Department.