Tag: HAWANA

Nallini’s appointment gives image, confidence to Malaysian Media Council – PM Anwar

BUTTERWORTH, JUNE 20 -- The appointment of former Federal Court Judge Tan Sri Nallini Pathmanathan as Chairman of the Malaysian Media Council (MMM) is hoped to give the council a new image and confidence. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said Nallini's appointment was done seriously, involving individuals with a background and record in the judiciary and integrity. "The main thing is that (he) has unquestionable qualifications and he will help give a new image and confidence to this event. We and our friends are praying (for his success)," he said. Anwar said this when speaking at the opening of the National Journalists' Day (HAWANA) 2026 Summit here today. The ceremony was also attended by Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil. Also present were Secretary-General of the Ministry of Communications Datuk Abdul Halim Hamzah and Deputy Secretary-General (Strategic Communications and Creative Industries) of the Ministry of Communications Datuk Bahria Mohd Tamil. Also present were Chairman of the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai, Bernama Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the HAWANA 2026 Working Committee Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin, Bernama Editor-in-Chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj and Nallini. The Prime Minister at the same time congratulated Nallini on her appointment as MMM Chairman. Nallini's appointment was unanimously approved by the Malaysian Media Council Board members at a meeting held on May 26. Established under the Malaysian Media Council Act 2025, MMM is a self-regulatory body for the media industry whose role is to strengthen journalistic standards, operate a public complaints mechanism related to the media, promote ethical practices and defend media freedom as an essential foundation of democracy. -- BERNAMA

BUTTERWORTH, JUNE 20 — The appointment of former Federal Court Judge Tan Sri Nallini Pathmanathan as Chairman of the Malaysian Media Council (MMM) is hoped to give the council a new image and confidence. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said Nallini’s appointment was done seriously, involving individuals with a background and record in the […]

Journalists Play Vital Role In Strengthening Democracy – Fadillah

PUTRAJAYA, May 29 -- In conjunction with National Journalists’ Day (HAWANA) 2026, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof has conveyed his appreciation to all journalists, media practitioners and media practitioners and broadcasting personnel for their unwavering dedication in delivering accurate, authentic and integrity-driven information to the public. He said journalists play a significant role in strengthening democracy, as well as shaping a knowledgeable and informed society, especially in an increasingly challenging and fast-changing media landscape. “In an increasingly challenging and rapidly changing media landscape, the role of journalists is not only to deliver news but also to act as an important bridge between the people and the government,” he said in a post on his official Facebook in conjunction with HAWANA 2026 today. Fadillah said a free, responsible and ethical media is a strategic partner of the government in ensuring Malaysia’s stability, harmony and continued progress. He also expressed his appreciation for the sacrifices of journalists who are constantly on the ground, including during disasters and crises, ensuring the public receive authentic and balanced information. Fadillah said that in today’s digital era, the spread of false information, slander and sensationalism poses a challenge that requires media professionals to continue upholding the principles of journalism based on facts, integrity and accountability. He said the government always recognises the important role of media institutions in national development, saying that close synergy between the government and media practitioners can help ensure more effective delivery of policies and development agendas to the people. Fadillah expressed hope that the country’s media industry would continue to evolve in line with technological advances, without neglecting the values of ethics, professionalism and humanity. “Journalists are not only recorders of history, but also important individuals in shaping the mindset of society and the country’s future,” he said. The HAWANA 2026 celebration is scheduled to take place in Penang on June 20 with the theme “Media Integrity Strengthens Credibility”, aimed at strengthening the role of media practitioners in national development. The highlight of the annual event to honour the contributions of media practitioners will be officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at the PICCA Convention Centre @ Arena Butterworth. --BERNAMA

PUTRAJAYA, May 29 — In conjunction with National Journalists’ Day (HAWANA) 2026, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof has conveyed his appreciation to all journalists, media practitioners and media practitioners and broadcasting personnel for their unwavering dedication in delivering accurate, authentic and integrity-driven information to the public. He said journalists play a significant role […]

HAWANA 2026 Forum Gathers Media Practitioners To Address Digital Era Challenges

KUALA LUMPUR, May 7 -- More than 200 media practitioners, including academics, public relations practitioners, as well as students from public and private universities, are gathering in the capital today to attend the HAWANA 2026 Media Forum, which focuses on the sustainability challenges of the media industry in the era of digitalisation and artificial intelligence (AI). The event, organised by the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama), also brings together heads of media organisations, including those from Sabah and Sarawak, representatives of foreign media agencies in Malaysia, as well as various stakeholders in the national media landscape. The forum will be officiated by Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching. Malaysian media figures, namely Star Media Group Berhad Chief Content Officer Datin Esther Ng; Media Prima Berhad Deputy Group Managing Editor (News and Current Affairs) Farrah Naz Abd Karim; and Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) Director-General of Broadcasting Ashwad Ismail, will share their views in the first session titled “Sustaining Media in Times of Crisis: Challenges and Revenue Realities”. The second session, titled “How Journalists Navigate the Evolving Media Landscape”, will feature Inspirer Extraordinaire Datuk Suhaimi Sulaiman; Sin Chew Media Corporation Berhad Group Editor-in-Chief Datuk Kuik Cheng Kang; Kuching Division Journalists Association President Ronnie Teo Teck Wei; and Sabah Journalists Association President Mariah Doksil as panellists. Meanwhile, the third session titled “Shaping the Future of Malaysian Media in the Digital and AI Era” will feature Free Malaysia Today Managing Director Azeem Abu Bakar; Cloud Solution Architect at Huawei Malaysia Cheah Chern Eu; as well as digital transformation and AI expert Charles Gregory. For the first time, the HAWANA Media Forum is being held as a one-day event to encourage more in-depth discussions and meaningful exchange of ideas. The HAWANA 2026 Media Forum is held in conjunction with the National Journalists’ Day (HAWANA) 2026 celebration on June 20. -- BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR, May 7 — More than 200 media practitioners, including academics, public relations practitioners, as well as students from public and private universities, are gathering in the capital today to attend the HAWANA 2026 Media Forum, which focuses on the sustainability challenges of the media industry in the era of digitalisation and artificial intelligence […]

‘Media Integrity Strengthens Credibility’ Theme Of HAWANA 2026 Celebration In Penang

KUALA LUMPUR, May 6 -- The National Journalists’ Day (HAWANA) 2026 celebration, set for June 20 in Penang, will adopt the theme ‘Media Integrity Strengthens Credibility’ to enhance the role of media practitioners in national development. Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said the main event, held annually to honour media practitioners, will be graced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at the Penang International Convention and Exhibition Centre. He said the theme also aligns with the government’s efforts to enhance the quality of information dissemination and public trust in media institutions. “The official HAWANA 2026 logo features the iconic Penang Bridge, symbolising the host state’s rich history, heritage and modernity. “Overall, the logo reflects HAWANA’s aspiration as a unifying platform for the media fraternity and society in supporting inclusive and sustainable national development,” he said at a weekly press conference in Angkasapuri today. Also present were Deputy Minister Teo Nie Ching, ministry secretary-general Datuk Abdul Halim Hamzah, Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) chief executive officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin and deputy editor-in-chief of news service Mohd Shukri Ishak, as well as Radio Televisyen Malaysia director-general Ashwad Ismail. Fahmi, who is also the MADANI Government spokesperson, said activities for this year’s HAWANA celebration will begin with the Media Forum in Kuala Lumpur tomorrow to discuss current industry challenges. Highlights include the HAWANA-DBP Pantun Festival with Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka on May 9, a Strategic Partners Engagement (June 4), the HAWANA Fun Walk (June 14), Mai RIUH@HAWANA (June 19-21), HAWANA Sports Carnival (July to October) and the HAWANA Campus Roadshow (July to October). He said that a range of activities has been planned around the main event in Penang to ensure broad participation from local and international media practitioners. Officially celebrated annually on May 29, HAWANA is the largest gathering of Malaysian journalists, aimed at recognising the media’s role in shaping public opinion and serving as a bridge between the people and the government. This year marks the sixth edition of the event, following last year’s celebration in Kuala Lumpur. -- BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR, May 6 — The National Journalists’ Day (HAWANA) 2026 celebration, set for June 20 in Penang, will adopt the theme ‘Media Integrity Strengthens Credibility’ to enhance the role of media practitioners in national development. Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said the main event, held annually to honour media practitioners, will be graced by […]