China’s Consul General praises local journalists for their high professionalism

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Yong (fifth from left) presenting the invitation letter to Chen while Goh (fourth from right), and from left, Lo, Kwan, Chua, Situl, Chen, Tseu and Tang look on.

Yong (fifth from left) presenting the invitation letter to Chen while Goh (fourth from right), and from left, Lo, Kwan, Chua, Situl, Chen, Tseu and Tang look on.

KOTA KINABALU: Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Kota Kinabalu, Chen Peijie, yesterday praised the local journalists on their high professionalism in carrying out their duties.

“Reporters serve as the mouthpiece of a society and the public because what they have seen and listened are translated into words.”

Knowing that a news report could potentially influence public sentiment, Chen hoped that the media practitioners could reflect more positivity in their reporting.

She said this during a courtesy call by Kota Kinabalu Journalists Association (KKJA) committee members, led by chairman Yong Ted Phen, here yesterday.

Chen was invited to the KKJA Press Night, which will be held at E-West Restaurant on August 31, 6.30pm.

Also present were vice consul Chen Xin, Press Night organizing chairman Jimmy Goh, KKJA deputy chairman Situl Mintow, vice chairman Kwan Sui Wan, secretary Chuah Kim Huat, treasurer Tang Pok Ngai, assistant treasurer Lo Teck Loong and welfare officer James Tseu.

Chen announced that the Consulate General would provide sponsorship for the event in appreciation of the media’s effort in covering news related to the consulate and China.

She said the KKJA served as a platform for members to communicate with each other.

“I attended the KKJA Press Night last year and found it to be a cozy event.

“Work aside, the media fraternity is quite a close-knit group,” Chen said, adding that she would be attending the event this year.

Meanwhile, Yong commended the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Kota Kinabalu for its effort in forging close relations with the local community, especially the media.

Yong also thanked Chen for the Consulate General’s sponsorship for the event.

The KKJA has also invited Minister of Special Tasks, Datuk Teo Chee Kang, to grace the press night.

During a courtesy call on Teo at his office at Wisma Innoprise here on Tuesday, Yong briefed the minister on the activities of KKJA, including the objectives of the press night, which are to enhance unity among members and to raise funds for the association.

The remainder of the funds from the press night will be used to cover operational costs, welfare of members and incentives for members’ children who showed outstanding performance in academic and extracurricular activities, Yong said.

Meanwhile, Teo said that KKJA had played an important role in looking after its members’ welfare for the past two decades.

Teo, who has been a legal advisor to KKJA for over 20 years, described KKJA as an association he grew up with and signified his agreement to attend the event and celebrate the press night with the media fraternity.