By WU VUIDE
KOTA KINABALU: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor has called on media practitioners to carry out their duties with integrity, guided by the principles of professional and responsible journalism.
He said the success and dissemination of information on government policy implementation also depend heavily on the media’s vital role in conveying clear and effective messages to the people.
In the context of state development, he said the government remains committed to implementing various initiatives that benefit the people and accelerate Sabah’s progress through the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) Development Plan.
“As parties who have close cooperation and strong ties with the government, the media also plays a role in disseminating information related to the State Government’s development policies, especially under the SMJ plan.
“Therefore, I hope this strategic collaboration will continue to be strengthened, and the good relationship among all of us will be further enhanced to help the government disseminate important information to the people regarding the State Government’s development agenda and direction.
“Media reports also help the government understand what is happening at the grassroots level and hear the people’s grievances. The government certainly welcomes such reports and coverage from media practitioners as a bridge connecting the government and the people,” he said during the Kinabalu Press Awards (KPA) 2025 ceremony at a resort here on Sunday.
His speech was delivered by the Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment, Datuk Joniston Bangkuai.
He also expressed hope that the media will always play a vital role as providers of trusted information, conveyors of verified news, and platforms for the public to obtain fast and accurate information.
He said the KPAs, organised by the Sabah Journalists Association in collaboration with the State Government and other sponsors, aim to recognise and appreciate the commitment and capability of media practitioners in the state.
“This event also serves as an excellent platform to inspire media practitioners to be more driven, focused, and responsible in performing their duties with greater transparency and ethics,” he added.
In this regard, he said the government has never neglected the important role of the media in society and continues to support programmes such as the KPA through financial sponsorships.
“The State Government greatly values and understands this need, and in fact, sponsorship support has increased every year.
“I also extend my congratulations to all the winners, keep up the excellent work and let this achievement be a catalyst to continue contributing to the state’s development and the people’s well-being through credible and ethical news reporting,” he said.
