By Fasiha Kushiri
KUCHING: Sarawak plans to hold a media convention to formulate new media practices in disseminating information in the state.
Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Corporate Affairs, Information and UKAS), Datuk Abdullah Saidol said the new media practices might be among the key components in the implementation of a digital economy.
Apart from that, the proposal was agreed to by Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
“This convention is likely to be held either on a medium scale or at the national level to invite media people from various platforms to formulate and form a new media culture,” he said this during the Sarawak Premier Media Hospitality Ceremony at the Pullman Hotel here.
Also present were Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian, Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, UKAS Director, Samad Junai and media practitioners.
“Media played a role as a two-way bridge between the leadership or administration of a government and the community. In fact, the media is always committed to delivering information or informative news as well as quality delivery.
“This is because the goal of journalism is to build a society that is informed or sensitive to current developments,” he added.
“It is proven by the sacrifices and seriousness of the media who have worked hard to manage the pandemic threat for the past two years.
“The media is among the frontliners who help the government curb the spread of the pandemic,” he said.
At the same time, he said, the media also helped the government to deal with certain groups who often either intentionally or unintentionally spread news or stories that provoked hateful, prejudiced or racist sentiments.
“Therefore, it is the responsibility of the media to repel slander and manage such perceptions,” he said.
