KUCHING: Media practitioners in the state continue to be appreciated and recognised for their contribution as a link for information and communication between the Sarawak government and the rakyat.
Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department (Corporate Affairs, Information and UKAS), Datuk Abdullah Saidol said that the media played a crucial role in conveying government initiatives and policies towards development and wellbeing of the state.
According to him, it is very helpful in fostering positive awareness and understanding among the community in order to be more open to the values of integration and economic development introduced by the Sarawak government.
"People, especially in rural areas, are increasingly curious about the government's agenda, because they are not familiar with information about hydrogen, new energy and other related matters.
"I hope we can hold several briefing sessions to empower our journalists about government initiatives and what the government is doing.
"At the same time, we also need the media to get feedback from people outside the city and report to us so that every government action follows the wishes of the people," he said.
He said this at the Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS) Ramah Tamah Aidilfitri event with the Media and Public Relations Officers (PRO) here, on Sunday.
Also present were Sarawak Deputy State Secretary (Operation), Datu Hii Chang Kee, UKAS Director, Samuel Simon, and TVS Chief Executive Officer, Kushairi Abang.
Accordingly, Datuk Abdullah said, a certain amount of funds will be allocated to the UKAS Staff Welfare Club to organise related programmes that have the potential to improve the quality and impact of the media as a link of information and communication in the community.
"Ahead of the National Journalists Day (HAWANA) 2024 on May 25 to 27, we have a few weeks left to celebrate this event where perhaps we can hold a bowling competition and a friendly futsal match, or whatever suggestions we want to put forward.
"Of course we will celebrate it in Kuching, but if there is a little more allocation, we can hold it in other zones such as in Sibu or Miri so that we can really celebrate all media practitioners in Sarawak," he said.
HAWANA 2024, with the theme 'Ethics at the Core of Sustainable Journalism,' is the largest gathering of media practitioners organised for the first time in Land of the Hornbills, under the management of the Ministry of Communications in collaboration with the Sarawak government through UKAS. -UKASNews
