KOTA KINABALU: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor assured that
the State Government is committed to ensuring a fair and just media environment in
Sabah.
“We want to ensure all voices are heard, and all views are respected. Respecting and
protecting the freedom of the press is important for social progress and democratic
development.
“The State Government is steadfast on this. Hence, we will continue to support the
annual Kinabalu Press Award to promote journalistic excellence and encourage new
talents,” he said.
Speaking at the Kinabalu Press Award (KPA) 2024 at the Hilton Hotel here tonight, the
Chief Minister said responsible reporting has an impact on news integrity.
“Journalists and the media organisations are also responsible for upholding ethics,
including verifying information from credible sources, providing balanced coverage
encompassing all perspectives. This will ensure the reports remain fair and objective,”
he said.
The Chief Minister was glad to note that the media in Sabah, in general, has shown
support by reporting all the development agendas of the current State Government.
Therefore, he said it was essential to strengthen the smart partnership in disseminating
clear and accurate information to the people in the state.
Hajiji said the KPA theme ‘Progress Through Smart Partnership’ was apt because he
believed cooperation between the media practitioners and the State Government is
crucial in disseminating information on the state’s development agenda, particularly the
Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya development plan.
“The media practitioners in Sabah, through their reporting, could focus on the critical
development that has the most effect on the state and people besides reporting other
equally important issues,” he said.
In this respect, Hajiji said the State Government is proud to continue to be the main
sponsor of the KPA.
“I hope the media practitioners’ dedication continue to be at the highest level in reporting
truthful, verified and accurate news,” he said.
The Chief Minister also commended Shell, Petronas, Qhazanah Sabah Berhad and the
latest SMJ Energy Sdn Bhd for sponsoring the KPA.
“I hope more will emulate their efforts to support the media industry,” he said.-pr/BNN
