KUCHING: A regulatory framework is crucial to regulate media practitioners, especially 'netizen' journalists in Sarawak.
Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department (Corporate Affairs, Information and UKAS), Datuk Abdullah Saidol said that the Governor of Sarawak, Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar feels the need for such framework to prevent the dissemination of inaccurate information.
"Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi also inquired about ensuring that a regulatory framework is implemented for media practitioners in Sarawak in terms of ethics and so on.
"This is because the presence of unofficial journalists with the dissemination of accurate or inaccurate information should be regulated, so he will personally review the laws for this matter," he said.
He made these remarks when met by reporters after paying a courtesy visit to Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi at the Astana Negeri Sarawak on Thursday.
Datuk Abdullah added that Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi, as a lawyer, understands the importance of laws to oversee 'netizen' journalists, which can bring both benefits and risks.
Furthermore, he said that the Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sarawak also advised media personnel to enhance their expertise to avoid errors especially concerning technical matters.
"Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi encourages to organise programmes on the latest government initiatives such as dialogue sessions with ministries in Sarawak so that media personnel understand every government policy," he explained.
Meanwhile, Datuk Abdullah informed that Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi's written works will also be showcased during the National Journalists Day (HAWANA) later.
He said the writings contain information about the state of Sarawak during the formation of Malaysia, which faced various challenges at that time.
Also present were UKAS Director, Samuel Simon, AZAM Sarawak CEO, Ali Suhaili, Kuching Division Journalists Association President, Ronnie Teo, and other UKAS officers.-UKASnews
