Abang Johari (center) cuts a cake at the event. Also seen were Dr Sim (third left), Jacqueline (third right) and Abdullah (second right). – Photo by Chimon Upon.
KUCHING (Nov 7): Journalists are reminded to remain professional in their writing at all times and give a fair view for the benefit of everyone.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg said that journalists can mold the thinking and perception of the people and can give direction on how they should behave.
“The state government under my leadership appreciates the role of journalists and sometimes we get bombard that is a fact of life, we take it and try to improve ourselves. And journalists must also give fair view of what we have done here.
“For Sarawak, we treat journalists as partners, in terms of transforming our country, society and direction of our development, and Sarawak has benefited from that,” he said at the 32nd Kenyalang Journalism Award 2020 held at a hotel here last night.
Similarly, he said that journalism was a very challenging and tough career, especially with the emergence of digital technology which is social media.
This gave birth to new culture, fake news, and the challenge was to identify if the news is genuine or not, he said.
Meanwhile, he said that he would consider giving media practitioners here another handout if there is enough funds. He had previously announced a one-off amount of RM1,500 under the Bantuan Khas Sarawakku Sayang 3.0 in May, to appreciate role of media for carrying out their duty during the Covid-19 pandemic. There are about 500 media practitioners in the state.
The event was organised by the Federation of Sarawak Journalists Associations (FSJA) with the State government as the main sponsor and Petronas, Sarawak Energy and Shell as gold sponsors.
Earlier, Malaysian Press Institute (MPI) chief executive officer Datuk Dr Chamil Wariya in a recorded video said the awards was the second oldest in Malaysia, and received the highest number of entries this year with 540 entries.
With the tough competition, he hoped that those who did not win (this year) would try again next year.
Meanwhile, FSJA president Jacqueline David said the event themed ‘Honouring Our Frontliners’ was to appreciate the frontliners who are risking their all to do their jobs and help those in need.
“Tonight’s is not only dedicated to the media fraternity but also to all frontliners wherever they may be,” she said.
Present were Minister of Local Government and Housing Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian and Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister’s Department (Corporate Affairs and Sarawak Public Communications Unit) Abdullah Saidol.