By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, May 14: A total of RM317,800 was channelled to six registered media associations in Sarawak under a special incentive scheme that was only introduced at the eleventh hour ahead of Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg’s Budget winding-up speech last year, says Datuk Abdullah Saidol today.
Speaking at the handover ceremony for the incentive to Sarawak media organisations, the Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Corporate Affairs, Information and UKAS) clarified that the allocation was not part of the original Budget or prepared speech, but instead stemmed from a late internal proposal initiated by him.
“We submitted a memo just two to three days before the Premier’s speech. It was not in the original plan. If approved, fine. If not, it’s okay,” he said.
Abdullah said the proposal was partly prompted by similar media assistance announced in another state, which led the Unit for Other Religions (UNIFOR)-style comparison and discussion within UKAS, before the idea was tabled to the Sarawak government.
He said the Premier then agreed in principle that any allocation must be channelled strictly through registered media associations.
“The question was, how much and to whom? So we had to come up with a formula quickly,” he said.
Three options were proposed — RM350, RM500 and RM700 based on association membership — before the RM700 benchmark was adopted as the reference figure.
That figure ultimately formed the basis of the final computation, resulting in the RM317,800 payout to six media associations, namely the Kuching Division Journalists Association (KDJA), Pertubuhan Wartawan Bebas Kuching (PEWARTA), Commonwealth Journalists Association (CJA) Sarawak Branch, Sibu Journalists Association (SJA), The Institute of Rejang Journalists (IRJ) and Northern Sarawak Journalists Association (NSJA).
He stressed that the initiative went through standard state financial procedures after the announcement, including approvals from the Sarawak Treasury and State Financial Secretary (SFS), which contributed to the delay in disbursement until April.
“This is part of normal governance. Sarawak has strict financial checks and balances,” he said.
The aid is expected to benefit 454 media personnel.
Looking ahead, Abdullah said the third Sarawak Media Conference (SMeC) is scheduled for July 8 and will be officiated by the Premier.
Organised by UKAS, the one-day programme will feature workshops at the Centre for Technology Excellence Sarawak (CENTEXS) and TEGAS Digital Village focusing on AI, digital media, ethics, governance and journalism entrepreneurship.
A media dinner and appreciation segment will also be held for journalists in Sarawak.
He also announced plans for a pre-election journalism workshop covering reporting rules, procedures and media ethics, with involvement from former Election Commission officials.
UKAS will also introduce an election media support system, including a hotline and helpdesk to assist journalists covering all 82 state constituencies during elections.
“All candidates, including opposition and independents, will be covered. We will try to obtain and share verified information to assist journalists,” he said.
Also present during the press conference were Deputy Sarawak Secretary (Operation) Datu Hii Chang Kee, UKAS director Awang Putrayusrie Awang Redzuan, KDJA president Ronnie Teo, and PEWARTA deputy president Samuel Simon. — DayakDaily
