By Karen Bong
KUCHING, April 9: The Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas) is undergoing a major organisational restructuring to enhance its role as the Sarawak government’s bridge to the people, with a focus on research, strategic communication, issue-based community engagement and the creation of community-specific desks that reflect the State’s multicultural landscape.
Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Office (Corporate Affairs and Ukas), Datuk Abdullah Saidol, revealed that the restructuring process is already underway and that he is scheduled to brief the Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg on the proposed changes on April 23.
“There will be quite a major restructuring within Ukas. We want to empower various sections in the organisation. We want to enhance our research work, so we can respond swiftly to developments and offer deeper insights during DUS (Sarawak Legislative Assembly) sittings,” he told reporters at the Ukas Berambeh Raya event held at the English Tea House today.
Abdullah stressed the importance of having dedicated specialists, particularly in economics, who can provide real-time analysis of newly introduced budgets and policies to improve public understanding and inform effective policy-making.
As part of the revamp, Ukas will also create a dedicated desk for green technology and renewable energy, including hydrogen, to provide consistent and accurate updates on developments in the sector.
“The officer must keep up with everything happening in this field, including how it ties into the economy,” he said.
To ensure inclusivity and better representation, Abdullah proposed the creation of community-specific desks—including for Malay, Chinese, Iban, and other ethnic groups—so that cultural sensitivities and community issues can be better articulated and addressed.
“For instance, the Chinese desk should be manned by someone from the Chinese community because they understand the sentiments and issues of their people. The same goes for other communities. The needs of a rural Malay or Iban may differ greatly from someone in an urban area. We cannot generalise,” he explained.
Abdullah stressed that this direction is in line with the Premier’s vision of building policy from the grassroots up, based on the realities and lived experiences of the people.
In addition, Ukas is improving its archival systems to ensure better institutional memory and continuity.
“We must be able to retrieve what the Premier said eight years ago and follow through,” he said.
The Creative Infographics Unit will also be upgraded to support new forms of storytelling using AI, visual media, and digital tools.
“We welcome individuals skilled in videography, artificial intelligence, and creative media,” Abdullah said, adding that these capabilities are essential in an increasingly digital media landscape.
Amid rising misinformation and scams, Abdullah urged media practitioners to approach their work with a strong moral compass, not just professional commitment.
“We live in a time when distinguishing truth from falsehood is difficult. Even the highly educated fall victim to scams. We must prioritise verified, truthful information. Many are unaware or too afraid to ask questions—this is where the media and Ukas play a crucial role,” he pointed out.
He also shared that Ukas has a dedicated issue management section, where civil servants at the district and divisional levels regularly gather feedback through public surveys.
“Every development plan and government policy must come from the people—not just from the top. The feedback collected is channelled to leadership to ensure policies reflect real needs on the ground,” he said.
Recognising the disruptive impact of AI and rapid technological change on the media ecosystem, Abdullah closed with a reminder of Ukas’ core mission.
“We are not just an information channel. We are a bridge between the people and the government, and also between one another as human beings. There must be value and a sense of humanity in everything we do,” he concluded. — DayakDaily
