KUCHING: Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Office (Corporate Affairs, Information and Sarawak Public Communications Unit (UKAS)) Datuk Abdullah Saidol went to the ground to visit and see for himself the latest situation of three former veteran media practitioners.
According to Sarawak Public Communications Unit (UKAS) news report, he started his visit to Malaysian Broadcasting Department (RTM) retiree Tukino Mapol, 63, who has served for more than 30 years in RTM Sarawak.
Tukino has suffered three mild strokes in 2016 and twice in 2017, and he also has to undergo dialysis treatment three times a week.
Next visit was to the residence of veteran sports writer, Martin Yee, 66, who has worked for 38 years in several local and national newspaper companies.
He is no longer able to work after suffering two heart attacks.
Abdullah ended his visit by greeting the former sports editor of a local newspaper, Juary Mesa, 68, who has served for 30 years and now suffers from a partial stroke.
During the visit, he was accompanied by UKAS staff and the Federation of Sarawak Journalists Association (FSJA) and also presented donations in conjunction with the Christmas Day celebration to the three of them as a token of appreciation for the services and dedication they have contributed throughout their careers.
He said journalists work 24 hours a day whether on the field or in the studio to deliver information to the public.
“This is because media practitioners are the main witnesses in the history of changes in a state or country in terms of social development and so on,” he said.
He also hoped that this programme could be done not only for journalists but for the media in general.
For that purpose, he will take steps to increase the welfare fund to help media practitioners who need attention and help from certain parties.
“The new generation of media practitioners must also emulate and learn how to write and deliver their task from veteran members in the field of journalism,” he said.
At the event, Abdullah also wished all Christians a Merry Christmas.
