CM Urges Media to Champion Integrity, Principles, and Public Trust
- nabalunews
- 8 hours ago
- 2 min read
30 June 2025
KOTA KINABALU: Media professionals are urged to uphold the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, and responsibility in their reporting, emphasising the media’s vital role as a pillar of democracy and development.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor stressed that the effective communication of government policies and the success of their implementation are closely tied to the media’s ability to deliver accurate, timely, and responsible information to the public.
"In our mission to drive progress under the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) Development Plan, the media serves not merely as an observer, but as a key partner in shaping public understanding and building trust between the government and the people,” he said.
Hajiji highlighted that the media’s close collaboration with the government is essential in helping to disseminate the state’s development agenda, particularly under the SMJ Plan, which focuses on inclusive growth and public welfare.
“I hope this strategic partnership continues to grow stronger. The media plays a critical role in amplifying development initiatives and ensuring that key messages reach every corner of society,” he added.
He also underscored the importance of grassroots reporting in shaping responsive governance.
“Media reports are invaluable in helping the government understand local issues and the concerns of ordinary citizens. In this sense, the media functions as a crucial bridge between the government and the people,” he said.
His remarks were delivered by Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Environment, Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, at the 2025 Kinabalu Press Awards (KPA) held at the Magellan Sutera Grand Ballroom on Sunday.
The Chief Minister called on the media to continue playing its role as a trusted source of truth, upholding journalistic ethics, providing verified news, and serving as a reliable platform for accurate and constructive information.
He commended the Kinabalu Press Awards, organised by the Sabah Journalists Association in collaboration with the state government and sponsors, as an important initiative to recognise the dedication and professionalism of media practitioners in Sabah.
“This event is more than a celebration of excellence, it is a platform to reaffirm journalism’s core values and to encourage the media to remain courageous, transparent, and ethical in fulfilling its duty to inform and empower,” he said.
Reaffirming the government's commitment, Hajiji noted that the state continues to support press-related initiatives like the KPA through increasing sponsorship and funding.
“The state government deeply values the media’s role and has consistently increased its support. This reflects our recognition of the media as a key driver of informed citizenry and sustainable development.”
He also congratulated this year’s award recipients. “Well done to all the winners. Let your achievements inspire continued excellence, and may your work contribute meaningfully to Sabah’s progress and the wellbeing of its people through credible, responsible journalism.”
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