By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, July 3: The media is not a bystander in national development but a vital strategic partner, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof in hailing journalists as the eyes, ears, and conscience of the nation.
Delivering his speech at 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), Fadillah reminded media practitioners of their essential role in upholding democracy and public trust, especially in the age of misinformation.
“Let us never forget — the media is not a bystander in national development. It is a vital strategic partner.
“Journalists are not just storytellers. You are the eyes that witness truth, the ears that listen to the nation’s heartbeat, and the pens that shape understanding. You give voice to the voiceless. You hold power to account. You keep democracy alive,” he emphasised.
Fadillah, who is also Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation, stressed the need for the media to stand firm in truth and integrity amidst today’s growing tide of misinformation.
“In this age of misinformation, your role becomes more crucial than ever. When truth is drowned in a flood of falsehoods, you are the beacons of clarity, the guardians of integrity,” he said.
He also called on the media to highlight impactful stories that matter to the rakyat, especially as Sarawak advances its transformation under the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.
“As Sarawak charts its path towards becoming a high-income, green, and technologically advanced economy under PCDS 2030, I urge you—the media—to continue highlighting the stories that matter:
“Stories of innovation in green and hydrogen technology. Stories of struggle and resilience amid the rising cost of living. Stories of policy impact and public service, right here in the heart of Borneo,” he said.
Fadillah also encouraged media platforms to be safe spaces where truth and hope are kept alive.
“Let your platforms be spaces where the truth is heard, where dignity is preserved, and where hope is never extinguished.”
He further urged the media fraternity to embrace emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) as tools to enhance journalism, not as threats to the profession.
“Let us walk forward with open minds and united purpose. Let us embrace AI, not as a threat, but as a tool—to elevate journalism, to serve our rakyat better and to build a media industry that is bold, ethical and future-ready,” he said.
He also expressed his gratitude to journalists for their service, saying: “Thank you for keeping our democracy alive. Thank you for your unwavering service to the people.”
At the same time, he expressed pride in Sarawak’s capability to host SMeC, which brought together media practitioners and policymakers under one roof for a professional and progressive dialogue.
Fadillah also announced financial contributions to several media-related organisations.
These included RM25,000 each to Kelab Kebajikan Kakitangan Unit Komunikasi Awam Sarawak and Kelab Belia Azam Bandar Kuching, as well as RM15,000 each to the Kuching Division Journalist Association (KDJA), Northern Sarawak Journalist Association (NSJA), Sibu Journalists Association (SJA), and Institute of Rejang Journalists (IRJ).
Also present were Sarawak Minister for Transport Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin; Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Corporate Affairs, Information, and Ukas) Datuk Abdullah Saidol; Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Datuk Snowdan Lawan; Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Integrity and Ombudsman) Datuk Dr Juanda Jaya; Sarawak Deputy State Secretary (Operations) Datu Hii Chang Kee; Ukas director Awang Putrayusrie Awang Redzuan; and other invited guests. — DayakDaily
