By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, May 26: The establishment of the Gabungan Kelab Media Malaysia (GKMM) is seen as a significant achievement by Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil, especially after the implementation of National Journalists’ Day (HAWANA).
According to a Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas) news report, the minister stated that the formation of the coalition, which includes 14 media clubs from across Malaysia, is very significant in conjunction with the HAWANA celebration, which aims to recognise the role and responsibilities of the journalism profession.
Fahmi proposed that GKMM should schedule its annual general meeting (AGM) during every HAWANA event, as it will provide a platform for media practitioners from across Malaysia to come together.
“In my opinion, the establishment of GKMM is very timely and appropriate because in this edition of HAWANA, we are talking about sustainability.
“With GKMM coordinating the clubs in all states in Malaysia, we can address welfare issues or challenges faced by media practitioners in their respective states,” he was quoted as saying.
The minister made the remarks at a press conference after the launch of GKMM here last night (May 25).
Fahmi also announced an initial allocation of RM20,000 to GKMM to carry out its activities and programmes.
He further noted that GKMM could also become a strategic partner of the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) in managing the Tabung Kasih@HAWANA to assist media practitioners in need or those affected by misfortune.
Additionally, the minister stated that the Ministry of Communications sees a role for GKMM in finalising the Malaysian Media Council Bill, which is in the final stages before being tabled in Parliament this October.
“Currently, the pro-tem team of the Media Council has been formed, and there is a committee, so we (the ministry) do not interfere in that process.
“… considering that we are in the final phase before we bring the bill to Parliament, I believe there is room for us to involve GKMM, just like other bodies such as NUJ (National Union of Journalists) and MPI (Malaysian Press Institute), so that we can gather the voices of media practitioners in the Malaysian Media Council,” he added.
HAWANA 2024 runs for three days starting on Saturday (May 25), and Prime Minister Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim will officiate the main celebration on Monday (May 27). — DayakDaily
