By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, July 3: Journalism demands passion, persistence, and courage—qualities that veteran journalist Basri Mohamad believes the younger generation must uphold if they wish to succeed in the field.
Offering words of wisdom after being honoured with the ‘Tokoh Khas’ award at the ‘Anugerah Apresiasi Khas Premier Sarawak 2025’, Basri urged young journalists to stay true to their mission of informing the public truthfully, responsibly, and with integrity.
“Do your job sincerely and don’t be calculative. Be friends with everyone—be it the police, firemen, or fellow journalists. That way, you get the information you need,” he said when met during the dinner held in conjunction with National Journalists Day (Hawana) 2025 and the Sarawak Media Conference (SMeC) 2025 at a local hotel here last night (July 2).
Basri further expressed his appreciation for the recognition received, saying it was an unexpected but meaningful honour after more than two decades of service in the media industry.
Basri, who was the first video journalist and later Sarawak Coordinator for TV3, was instrumental in establishing the station’s strong footing in Sarawak during the early years of private broadcasting in Malaysia.
He stressed that journalism is not just about chasing headlines but about building trust and relationships that help uncover the truth and deliver impactful stories.
“Young journalists must learn to work hard, not cut corners, and always be ready to go the extra mile. That’s what makes the difference,” he said.
Basri’s award stands as recognition of his unwavering commitment to the craft and his legacy in inspiring future generations of Sarawakian journalists. — DayakDaily
