By Dayangku Hidayatul
KUCHING, July 17: Beyond chasing headlines, journalists must develop specialised knowledge of the issues they cover to ensure accurate reporting and explain matters affecting Sarawak in a way that the public can easily understand, says Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Amar Fadillah Yusof.
He said journalists must strengthen their subject expertise to keep pace with increasingly complex issues while ensuring accurate reporting.
He also called on the Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas) to play a bigger role in equipping media practitioners through specialised training and greater subject exposure.
“In delivering accurate and factual reporting, we must equip our journalists with specific knowledge and expertise in the subjects they cover.
“If they do not master the topics or subject matter, it becomes difficult for them to report accurately and explain issues in a way that is easily understood,” he said when officiating a dinner in conjunction with the Sarawak-level National Journalists’ Day (HAWANA) 2026 and the Sarawak Media Conference (SMEC) 2026 at the Pullman Hotel last night (July 16).
Fadillah said the media industry must continue investing in talent development and training to ensure journalists remain relevant and competitive in the rapidly changing digital landscape.
He said today’s journalists must not only be skilled in writing and reporting, but also understand areas such as data analytics, digital security, fact-checking, data journalism, the ethical use of artificial intelligence (AI), and cross-platform reporting.
More importantly, he said journalists in the digital era should also be capable of becoming influencers who can simplify complex issues and communicate important matters effectively to the public.
“When it involves our Premier, topics such as the digital economy, green economy, energy security, and all these new subject matters need to be communicated and understood by the people so that together we can embrace the development agenda of our State and nation,” he said, highlighting the media’s role as a bridge between the government and the people.
Fadillah said geopolitical uncertainties and challenges in the energy sector, including supply disruptions and rising costs, could affect national and State planning and the delivery of assistance to the people.
He stressed that the media plays a crucial role in maintaining public confidence and stability by ensuring accurate information reaches society, enabling the nation to remain focused on sustainable development.
While Sarawak remains in a stronger position due to its clear policies, development strategies, and continued support for the people, however, Fadillah stressed the need to address challenges arising from political uncertainty and economic pressures.
“How do we help reduce political tensions while redirecting public attention towards the more pressing economic challenges ahead, challenges that may also have social implications for our communities?” he said. — DayakDaily
