By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Dec 20: Pertubuhan Wartawan Bebas Kuching (Pewarta) has been hailed as a model association for other media organisations, following its consistent efforts in upholding journalistic integrity, strengthening professionalism, and safeguarding the welfare of media practitioners.
According to Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) acting director, Mohamed Faisal Shah Ali, this is also because the association’s membership comprises experienced and credible media practitioners.
“Pewarta plays an important role in ensuring that journalistic integrity and ethics continue to be upheld. Congratulations to the new line-up of leadership, and I hope the association remains relevant and competitive,” he said during Pewarta’s annual general meeting (AGM) and year-end gathering held in Kuching on Friday (Dec 19), as reported by Ukas.
At the AGM, Pewarta also announced its leadership line-up for the 2025–2028 term, with Peter Sibon retaining his position as president. The position of secretary is now held by Kadir Edison, replacing Karen Bong, while Adrian Lim was appointed treasurer, replacing Nancy Nais.
Meanwhile, Wilfred Pilo, who is the chairman of the association’s dinner organising committee, said that Pewarta not only serves as a journalism platform but also as an important conduit for uniting journalists and media photographers, especially after navigating the challenging post–Covid-19 pandemic period.
“Besides the AGM, the organisation of this dinner aims to strengthen ties between Pewarta members and strategic partners as well as stakeholders in the media industry. The strong turnout of columnists and journalists tonight demonstrates solid support for the association,” he said.
Wilfred also informed that Pewarta has channelled contributions of about RM200,000 to media practitioners since its establishment, in line with the association’s objectives of safeguarding the welfare of journalists and photographers, providing skills enhancement training, and expanding professional networks.
He also expressed appreciation to the Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Corporate Affairs, Information, and Ukas), Datuk Abdullah Saidol, as well as Ukas, for recognising Pewarta as one of six registered associations in Sarawak selected to receive a special incentive announced by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg at the recent Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) sitting.
Also present were the senior press secretary to the Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sarawak, Samuel Simon; Bernama Sarawak bureau chief, Hamdan Ismail; as well as media practitioners around Kuching. — DayakDaily
