By Nur Ashikin Louis
KUCHING, May 29: The Sarawak government is willing to provide scholarships through Yayasan Sarawak for journalists to further their studies to polish their reporting skills.
Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg described the media in Sarawak as ‘sincere’ and ‘having creativity’.
Nevertheless, he wants the journalists to be more skilled in responsible reporting such that they are well versed in various fields especially finance, economy and science.
“We want the journalists to have the science background to talk about algae, how sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is produced from algae, what are lipids because lipids are produced from algae (sic). Otherwise, they would do false reporting.
“In terms of economy and finance, we also want journalists to have the background of corporate finance so that the report (on finance) is correct. That is why I said responsible reporting,” he said during a high tea organised in conjunction with the Sarawak-level National Journalists Day (Hawana) 2023 held at Grand Margherita Hotel here today.
Abang Johari also disclosed that a conference on journalism would be held soon to converge ideas on upgrading the journalist profession.
“And if you need to further your studies at postgraduate level, I will help through Yayasan Sarawak for you (journalists) to enrol into established journalism institutes.
“With that, our (reporting) standard would be increased and we report facts,” he added.
He also gave his greenlight for Sarawak to host next year’s national-level Hawana celebration pending the approval of Malaysian Minister of Communications and Digital Fahmi Fadzil.
Amongst those present were Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Corporate Affairs and Ukas) Datuk Abdullah Saidol; Deputy Sarawak Secretary Datu Hii Chang Kee; Chief Political Secretary to the Premier, Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman; and Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas) director Samuel Simon. — DayakDaily
