Dennis (centre) joins the cake-cutting ceremony. From left are Yii, Jong, Mastapha, and Law.
MIRI: The media has a vital role to play in verifying information that’s reported, particularly via social media.
Telang Usan assemblyman Dennis Ngau said the media plays an important part in sharing accurate news with the public.
“The world is facing a global challenge with the emergence of online social media and what not, and sometimes we are confused with which news is correct and which is not. Social media has a lot of good things and there are also things that we cannot rely on 100 per cent,” he said during a New Year and appreciation dinner with the media on Monday.
“Sometimes what social media is reporting must be validated first, such as the current issue with regards to royalty, where social media ‘viralled’ the news before the official statement was published.”
Dennis added he always respects the work of the media.
“We are all leaders in our own way. If we know and understand that what we are doing could give a positive impact to the public, we are leaders as well. Personally, I always think the media should be given special attention because I believe the success or the failure of an event is also due to the writing of the media.
“Nonetheless 2019 is going to be a challenging year and this is where the media will be called to play your part and help the nation,” he added.
Among those present at the dinner were Piasau assemblyman Datuk Sebastian Ting, Miri Resident Mastapha Julaihi, Miri Mayor Adam Yii, Fire and Rescue Department Miri chief Law Poh Kiong, and Northern Sarawak Journalists Association president Andy Jong.