KUCHING: The state government needs communication players to help bring the community, especially rural residents, up to speed on plans for the state.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said this is to ensure the people understand the government’s policies and current development focus.
“The acceptance of government policies and plans is crucial to empower public participation in the current development focus.
“Current development includes digitising Sarawak, forming a sustainable and green economy, advancing all sectors, and moving society towards prosperity and a better quality of life,” he said at the 40th anniversary of the Angkatan Zaman Mansang Sarawak (AZAM) dinner held here on Sunday (Nov 12).
His speech was delivered by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan.
(from 5th left) Awang Tengah performs the symbolic opening for AZAM’s new vision and mission statement in conjunction with its 40th anniversary. Photo: UKAS
Abang Johari added that conveying changes and developments in the state remains a challenging effort due to several factors.
These include geography, linguistic and cultural diversity, communication infrastructure, telecommunications, information technology (IT), information reliability, and a lack of talent in content creators and spokespersons which still poses major challenges in disseminating current development information.
Therefore, he said there is a need for collaboration to contribute to an informed society.
“Hence, in moving forward, there is a need to synergise efforts and resources of local communication players to contribute to a more knowledgeable, engaged, and inclusive Sarawak community,” said Abang Johari.
At the event, AZAM also launched its new vision and mission statement in conjunction with its 40th anniversary in the presence of Awang Tengah.
Also present were Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Corporate Affairs, Information and UKAS) Datuk Abdullah Saidol, Sarawak Development Institute (SDI) chairman Datuk Amar Jaul Samion, founding chairman of AZAM Tan Sri Datuk Seri Safri Awang Zaidell and wife, Puan Sri Liliah Mohd Salleh, State Financial Secretary Datuk Seri Dr Wan Lizozman Wan Omar and AZAM chairman Datuk William Patrick Nyigor.
