JOURNALISTS NEED TO HAVE HIGH LEVEL OF CREDIBILITY, INTEGRITY - SARAWAK PREMIER

KUCHING, Oct 24 (Bernama) -- Journalists need to have a high level of credibility and integrity to ensure that journalism and the media gain the trust of the public, said Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

He said in an increasingly integrated world, journalists need to strengthen their profession by improving quality and standards, as well as adhering to journalistic ethics.

"In the field of journalism, it is essential to uphold certain ethics, especially when interacting with the community. Having high integrity as a journalist earns you respect.

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"For me, if you have high integrity, you are willing to face whatever consequences that may come," he said in his speech at the closing of the Training Programme for Sarawak Journalists organised by the Malaysian Press Institute (MPI) here today.

Abang Johari said the world of journalism is now facing major changes, from newspapers to mobile streaming, the latest news can be received anytime.

“In the past there was no streaming, now there is official streaming and also non-official streaming via handphone, meaning there is no barrier, but one thing good about direct streaming is they know what you're talking about.

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"People cannot twist, even if someone tries to twist it, it depends on their wisdom. If they are good at distorting, then there is no question of integrity, this is back to the issue of ethics," he said.

Meanwhile, MPI president Datuk Yong Soo Heong said for better reporting, the need for continuous learning among media practitioners and communication officers is critical.

"It is MPI's hope that the courses conducted can be translated into clearer storytelling and information delivery skills so that the important developments that are happening in Sarawak are better understood and accepted by the people as well as foreign or local investors," he said.

He added that apart from conducting training for media practitioners, MPI also held a mini forum with academics and students at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak as a first step for the institution to expand its training, as well as to prepare graduates for the current world of journalism.

--BERNAMA