KUALA LUMPUR, May 5 — Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil today visited and presented donations to veteran journalist Mohd Sidek Salleh who is currently receiving treatment at Kuala Lumpur Hospital (HKL), through the Kasih@HAWANA 2023 programme.
Mohd Sidek, 67, the former assistant editor of Utusan Melayu (M) Bhd, has been hospitalised after undergoing surgery on April 3 due to colon cancer.
Speaking to Bernama, Fahmi said the Kasih@HAWANA 2023 initiative is a corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme in conjunction with the National Journalists Day (HAWANA) 2023 celebration on May 29 to prioritise the welfare of the media community who face adversities and challenges in life.
“The welfare aspect (of media practitioners) is something we need to think about. (For example,) if they have been laid off or are unable to work, what form of social security can be provided to them?
“Alhamdulillah, he (Mohd Sidek) is in good spirits, and it will take some time before he is allowed to go home and continue his treatment. I’m sure there are other organisations that provide assistance, but for me, moral support is vital,” he said.
Also present were Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) chief executive officer Roslan Ariffin, HAWANA 2023 project director D. Arul Rajoo and HKL deputy director (medical) III, Dr Fairoz Azlim Muslim.
At the programme, Fahmi presented donations from the HAWANA 2023 main committee, as well as assistance from the Communications and Digital Ministry, Pusat Pakaian Hari-Hari, Mydin and Aeon Big to Mohd Sidek.
Mohd Sidek, who is currently working as a security guard, has held several important positions while with Utusan Malaysia, including London correspondent in 1985 and Perak bureau chief in 1989.
He also held the position of assistant editor of Mingguan Malaysia in 1996, assistant chief sub-editor (1997), and his last position was assistant editor of Utusan Malaysia in 2006.
Mohd Sidek is the second aid recipient under the Kasih@HAWANA 2023 programme after Utusan former journalist Muhammad Basir Abu Bakar, 44, who has heart problems. He received the donations on April 14.
The Kasih@HAWANA programme implemented through Bernama as the implementing agency of HAWANA 2023, plans to visit journalists and media members in need, regardless of whether they are still in service or have retired across the country.
— Bernama
