HAWANA SHOULD SERVE AS REMINDER THAT THE ROLE OF JOURNALISTS IS ONGOING

By Mohd Fakri Awang Lah

MELAKA, May 14 (Bernama) -- The National Journalists’ Day (HAWANA) celebrations should serve as a clear reminder to all parties that the role of media practitioners in this country is continuous and must be recognised, especially in their vital function of disseminating information.

Melaka Media Practitioners’ Club (Pendika) president Amir Mamat stated that HAWANA, celebrated on May 29 each year, is an opportunity to bring the public closer to the witnesses and storytellers of significant events.

“This year, HAWANA should be extended to various layers to provide a better understanding of the true roles of journalists and media practitioners to the people,” he told Bernama recently.

Amir said that to enhance and deliver effective news reporting, all parties—including state governments—should regard journalists as ‘close partners’ and not feel hesitant about building friendships with members of the media.

He also expressed hope that the Malaysian Media Council founding board can be formed in conjunction with this year’s celebrations to better address the challenges in the media industry.

He said that the formation is expected to be a starting point for many positive developments, particularly in ensuring that the journalism profession is no longer taken lightly.

“With the establishment of the Malaysian Media Council, there is nothing for anyone—whether journalists or those being reported on- to fear, as long as the reporting does not violate any established journalistic ethics,” he said.

In February, Dewan Rakyat passed the Malaysian Media Council Bill 2024, which aims, among other things, to safeguard media freedom, ensuring the public receives accurate, credible, and fair information.

The highlight of the HAWANA 2025 celebrations will be on June 14 at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL).

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is scheduled to officiate the celebration, which will draw around 1,000 local and international media practitioners. 

HAWANA, which was first held in 2018, is an annual event that brings together media practitioners to recognise and honour their roles and contributions to the nation’s development.

-- BERNAMA