BERNAMA DEPUTY EDITOR-IN-CHIEF AZLINA AZIZ RETIRES AFTER OVER THREE DECADES OF SERVICE

By Abdul Hamid A Rahman

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 9 (Bernama) --  After 35 years in journalism, Azlina Aziz, Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) deputy editor-in-chief of Economic News Services, was honoured today at her retirement ceremony.

She will officially retire on Monday, Jan 12, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of experience, leadership, and professional contributions throughout her service at the agency.

At the ceremony, Bernama chief executive officer, Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin, described Azlina as a leader moulded by hands-on field experience, having started her career as a reporter before assuming top management responsibilities at Bernama.

According to Nur-ul Afida, Azlina’s appointment as deputy editor-in-chief of the economic desk was made based on her extensive experience, which covered various roles, from reporter and editor to sub-editor.

“In my view, she was the right candidate to fill the leadership vacancy at the economic desk. Her experience in the field of economics is very deep,” she said.

Nur-ul Afida said Azlina is actually her junior. “When she was undergoing her industrial training, I was among the seniors who guided her,” she said.

She added that their professional relationship remained close even though they were assigned to different desks throughout their service.

Bernama editor-in-chief, Arul Rajoo Durar Raj, said Azlina is a highly experienced officer in the economic desk, always cheerful and active in sports, especially bowling.

“Many journalists from the younger generation and other staff members have received guidance and mentorship from her,” he added.

He noted that Azlina played an active role in 2025, particularly in Bernama’s coverage of ASEAN-related events, which were among the main highlights of that year.

In her retirement speech, Azlina expressed her appreciation to Bernama for the opportunity to hold a position at the highest management level.

“According to the initial plan, I could have ended my career as the head of the Bahasa Melayu sub-editing desk at ENS. But this was both an opportunity and a responsibility given to me, and I accepted it with an open heart,” she said.

Azlina joined Bernama in 1991 after completing a six-month industrial training programme before being employed on a full-time basis. In her career, she served as an economic reporter from 1991 to 2000, Bahasa Melayu sub-editor at the economic desk from 2000 to 2015, and worked at News Service from 2015 to 2020.

Subsequently, she held the position of economic desk chief sub-editor from 2020 to 2023 and economic desk executive editor from 2023 to 2024 before becoming deputy editor-in-chief of the economic desk from March 2024 until her retirement.

“I also got to know many Bernama colleagues through the Bowling Club. I will miss this place. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve here and regard Bernama as my second home,” she said.

-- BERNAMA