KUCHING: Media practitioners can be seen as playing an important role in shaping the mindset of the 'rakyat' (public) in safeguarding the country’s independence.

Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Corporate Affairs, Information and UKAS), Datuk Abdullah Saidol, said media players, whether from government or private agencies, play a role as a link between the government and the people in shaping the mindset of the community.

“These media personnel play an important role in shaping independence and freedom where they become a ‘bridge’ between the community and the government, becoming a platform that can be said to be a ‘weapon’ in determining the thinking of our people,” he said.

He said this when met by reporters after the UKAS Community Programme Opening Ceremony at Tugu Pahlawan, here, on Sunday.

Meanwhile, he said that the media personnel also shoulder a great responsibility to ensure that the country’s peace continues to be maintained and are not easily caught up in the tendency to chase attention until they neglect to handle sensitive issues.

He also called on media agencies to be more careful in publishing reports that touch on the sensitivities of the community.

"In a society with multiple races, cultures, religions and historical backgrounds, there are certain things that we need to be sensitive about involving humanitarian issues where there are inappropriate comments," he explained. - UKASnews