SANDAKAN: The media is a vital strategic partner in delivering information to the public, said Sungai Manila assemblyman Datuk Hazem Mubarak Tun Musa.
He said strong ties between the media and community leaders were also important so that information on development, welfare and public interests could be conveyed more effectively.
He said this when officiating the closing ceremony of the Malaysia Day Goodwill Sports programme organised by the Sandakan Media Association, Sabah (PEMASSA) with the Sungai Manila People’s Service Centre on Monday. His speech was delivered by Sungai Manila Community Development Leader Officer (PPM) Rahmat Iskandar Ibrahim.
Also present were Senator Datuk Anna Bell @ Suzieana Perian, Libaran PGRS division secretary Awang Safari Awang Safar, PEMASSA chairman James Leong, vice-chairman Fauzi R Lahap, RTM Sandakan engineering head Badran Durasik and others.
Hazem said the programme was not merely about futsal and bowling but served as a platform to strengthen ties, build understanding and foster closer relations between media practitioners and staff of the Sungai Manila People’s Service Centre (DUN N.51 Sungai Manila).
“Sports activities like this teach us cooperation, discipline, teamwork, tolerance and mutual respect. In the spirit of Malaysia Day, we also want to see society remain united regardless of background,” he said. He congratulated all participants and stressed that winning or losing was not the main thing; sportsmanship, friendship and shared experience mattered more.
In his welcoming address, organizing chairman Mohd Salleh Jikri thanked Hazem and the Sungai Manila People’s Service Centre for their support and cooperation in making the event a success, saying it strengthened ties between both sides. He added that media in the district would continue to uphold good work ethics, especially in delivering verified information to the public. – James Leong
PPM Rahmat gets the futsal matches underway with the kick off on Monday night.
