KUALA LUMPUR, May 24 — Themed Media Bebas, Tunjang Demokrasi (Free Media, Pillar of Democracy), the National Journalists’ Day (HAWANA) 2023 celebration is seen to be able to create a win-win situation between the media and the government in the context of media freedom.
Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) chief executive officer Roslan Ariffin said this is because the media needs a government that allows them to carry out their responsibilities freely, while the government needs the media to assist in the country’s development.
“The theme clearly describes how free media is the pillar behind a democratic country. And in Malaysia, media freedom is strongly encouraged.
“In this regard, we hope that in the long run, there will be good cooperation between both parties (media and government),” he said when appearing as a guest on RTM’s Selamat Pagi Malaysia programme, earlier today.
In addition, Roslan said the media in Malaysia is in a good position, and this can be proven when the country was ranked 73rd in the World Press Freedom Index 2023 and the highest among Asean countries.
“We managed to improve our position compared to last year, which was at the 113th position from 180 countries. This is what we mean when we say that free media will provide an advantage to a country,” he said.
The HAWANA 2023 celebration will be held in Ipoh, Perak from May 27 to May 29.
Various activities have been lined up, such as a media forum involving journalists from ASEAN countries, a mini carnival, a treasure hunt and a bowling tournament.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is scheduled to grace the highlight of the celebration on May 28.
May 29 was gazetted as National Journalists’ Day in conjunction with the publication of the first newspaper in Malaysia, Utusan Melayu, on May 29, 1939, which became the first media platform in the country.
— Bernama
