Latest news with #NationalJournalists'Day2025
Malaysiakini
15-06-2025
- Politics
- Malaysiakini
Media freedom in Malaysia: Rhetoric or reality?
COMMENT | At the heart of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's speech during the National Journalists' Day 2025 was a powerful message: media freedom is a pillar of democracy that must be preserved. His words resonated with the ideals of press liberty, echoing the philosophies of Noam Chomsky and Thomas Jefferson on the perils of 'manufacturing consent' and 'tyranny of the majority'. But beyond the grandeur of the podium and the eloquence of democratic aspirations, one must ask: Is there real media freedom in Malaysia? Or is it still a freedom carefully rationed, enjoyed only within the invisible lines drawn by power?
The Sun
15-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
RM30m allocation for journalists, media firms
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced yesterday an allocation of RM30 million to support journalists and media organisations. He said this marks the largest commitment of its kind in the nation's history. 'This initiative aims to empower the media industry, particularly young journalists, to adapt to digital transformation and the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) while upholding journalistic integrity and ethics. 'I take responsibility for ensuring we produce better-quality journalists. I've discussed this with Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, who is a strong supporter of the media. I agreed to allocate a significant fund to help media organisations and the nation.' He was speaking at the National Journalists' Day 2025 with the theme 'Journalism in a New Era: Balancing AI and Ethics', held at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur. Anwar emphasised the importance of embracing new industries and emerging technologies, but stressed that the core values of truth, justice and ethics must not be sidelined in the pursuit of technological progress. Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said National Journalists' Day is a symbol of the government's recognition of the vital role played by media practitioners in shaping an informed society. He said the RM30 million fund would support media organisations in navigating the ongoing changes, particularly in adapting to the rise of social media and a new generation of readers, namely Generation Z. 'The Communications Ministry will soon announce the mechanism through which media organisations can apply for this funding. 'This fund could also help media organisations to explore new platforms, audiences and formats in achieving long-term sustainability. We hope this fund will contribute meaningfully to the digital transformation of Malaysia's media landscape.' Fahmi also highlighted the gazetting of the Malaysian Media Council (MMC), which came into effect yesterday. 'We believe this is one of the most significant and meaningful reforms for media practitioners. 'With the establishment of the MMC, long-standing concerns and aspirations of media professionals now have a legitimate platform. The MMC will operate independently, regardless of which party forms the government.' Fahmi said he would be inviting the 12 appointed founding members for further discussions and to support them in developing the MMC effectively. He added that in efforts to safeguard the welfare of media practitioners in Malaysia, the Communications Ministry through Bernama, has channelled various forms of aid via the Kasih@Hawana Fund, established in April 2023. As of today, 441 media practitioners nationwide have benefited from this initiative, with total contributions exceeding RM1.2 million. 'In addition, through collaboration between Bernama and Socso, freelance media practitioners have been provided with social protection under the Self-Employment Social Security Scheme.'
Borneo Post
14-06-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Govt urged to assist local media industry in facing current challenges - Sabah editor
Lichong delivering his speech at the National Journalists' Day 2025 celebration. KUALA LUMPUR (June 14): The government has been urged to consider proactive measures to help the country's media industry, which is currently in a critical stage in facing major challenges. Utusan Borneo Sabah editor-in-chief Datuk Lichong Angkui said competition from social media and global digital platforms, declining advertising revenue and changing reading patterns of the people have caused media companies' income to shrink, while operating costs continue to rise. 'Proactive measures such as financial incentives, digital transformation grants and strategic collaborations could enable local media to remain relevant and competitive,' he said in his speech as a media representative at the National Journalists' Day (HAWANA) 2025 celebration here on Saturday. Themed 'Journalism in the New Era: Embracing AI, Safeguarding Ethics, the prestigious event was officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Also present were Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Dr Zaliha Mustafa and Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching. Also present were Ministry of Communications secretary-general Datuk Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa, Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) chairman Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai, Bernama chief executive officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin, Bernama editor-in-chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj, cum director of HAWANA 2025 Project, as well as top management of national media companies. Meanwhile, Lichong expressed his appreciation to the government and the Prime Minister for realising the establishment of the Malaysian Media Council (MMC) after struggling for the council for decades. 'It is our hope that MMC will not only become a government monitoring body but more importantly a strong-rooted, independent and inclusive protector in preserving the integrity and freedom of the media in this country,' he said. He also thanked the government, especially the Ministry of Communications, for the initiative to establish the Tabung Kasih@HAWANA, which has so far helped hundreds of media practitioners, including those who have retired and those who are still working but are facing difficulties in life. 'This initiative proves the government's concern by taking into account the fact that, behind the sharpness of the journalist's pen, there is actually still room for compassion and empathy,' he said. Regarding the theme of HAWANA 2025, Lichong said it reflects the current reality of the world of journalism which is increasingly changing due to advances in artificial intelligence (AI) technology which also raises questions of ethics, authenticity of information and social responsibility of journalists in assessing, filtering and presenting news. The HAWANA 2025 celebration is organised by the Ministry of Communications with Bernama as the implementing agency, with the aim of recognising the role and contribution of media practitioners in national development. May 29 has been gazetted as National Journalists' Day in conjunction with the publication of the first edition of the Utusan Melayu newspaper on May 29, 1939, to celebrate the contributions of industry players.-Bernama
New Straits Times
30-05-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Fadhlina: Media's role vital bridge between government and community
KUALA LUMPUR: Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek has expressed her appreciation to all media practitioners who play an important role as a link between the government and the community. Through a video recording on Facebook in conjunction with National Journalists' Day (Hawana) 2025 last night, Fadhlina expressed her gratitude to all media practitioners who have practised high integrity and become a voice for the people, especially by bringing transparent and authentic news. "On this special day, I would like to wish all media practitioners a Happy National Journalists' Day 2025, who are committed and work tirelessly to deliver accurate information to the public. "Thank you very much for the struggle to raise the voice of the people with full transparency and integrity," she said. Meanwhile, Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UNiMAP) through a post on Facebook expressed its appreciation to all journalists have been tirelessly delivering the truth. "UniMAP greatly appreciates the important role of journalists in recording achievements, voicing the aspirations of campus residents and bringing knowledge and innovation closer to the community. "Thank you for continuing to be a bridge between the academic world and the community," the post said. Hawana is celebrated on May 29 every year, and for 2025, the Hawana Main Event will be held on June 14 at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL). Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is scheduled to officiate the celebration with an estimated attendance of about 1,000 media practitioners from home and abroad. Hawana, organised by the Ministry of Communications with the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) as the implementing agency, will feature various events, including the Pantun Festival on May 31 and a pre-launch event with strategic partners at Wisma Bernama on June 3 as well as a media forum co-organised with the Malaysian Press Institute (MPI) on June 14. Hawana, which is entering its fifth edition this year after its first edition in 2018, is an annual event that brings together media practitioners to appreciate their role and contributions to national development. - BERNAMA Related Articles Nation Apr 20, 2025 @ 11:28pm Fadhlina: Education is Asean's best investment, bold reforms needed Nation May 20, 2025 @ 8:13am Fadhlina: Community involvement, character building important to solve social issues Politics May 23, 2025 @ 1:00am Fadhlina: PKR Women's wing must be ready for GE16, Sabah polls Nation May 4, 2025 @ 10:08am Fadhlina: SWAN has strong potential to drive national development
New Straits Times
29-05-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
PM: Journalists are custodians of integrity
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim described journalists as custodians of integrity in ensuring that the public receives authentic, balanced, and credible information. In conjunction with the National Journalists' Day 2025 (Hawana) celebration today, the prime minister expressed his appreciation to all journalists for their dedication, courage, and commitment in carrying out their trust to society and the nation. "In an era of information explosion and the challenge of fake news proliferation, the role of journalists becomes increasingly vital, not merely to convey news, but to filter, scrutinise, and uphold the truth," he said via a Facebook post yesterday. Hawana is celebrated annually on May 29, and for 2025, the Hawana Summit will be held on June 14 at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL). Anwar is scheduled to officiate the celebration with an estimated attendance of about 1,000 media practitioners from within and outside the country. Hawana, organised by the Communications Ministry with the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) as the implementing agency, will feature various events, including a Pantun Festival on May 31, a pre-launch event with strategic partners at Wisma Bernama on June 3, and a media forum jointly organised by the Malaysian Press Institute (MPI) on June 14. Hawana, now in its fifth edition this year after its first organisation in 2018, is an annual event that brings together media practitioners to appreciate their role and contributions to nation's development. – Bernama
