Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor being greeted by media members on arrival at the breaking of fast with Sabah media in Kota Kinabalu on Friday.
KOTA KINABALU: The press here has played an important role in disseminating correct information to the public, especially during the state political turmoil earlier this year.
Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said the state government is also thankful to the media in reporting the past, present and future efforts of the government.
"The media also plays an important role in the development of the state and people, because media reports are sources of information for the government at the grassroots level.
"Even during the recent political chaos in Sabah, the media was among the main information sources for the people to know the actual situation," he said at the breaking of fast with the media in Sabah on Friday (April 14).
Also present were state secretary Datuk Seri Safar Untong, Sabah Journalists Association (SJA) president Datuk Muguntan Vanar, Kota Kinabalu Journalists Association (KKJA) chairman Jimmy Goh, chief editors and bureau chiefs.
Hajiji added that the state government also highly values the role of the journalism fraternity in raising issues affecting the state and people.
"The state government appreciates your role in this aspect and I have no doubt the media will continue to keep ears on the ground and to report relevant issues so that action can be taken.
"The state government will do its level best to act on it," he said.
At the same time, Hajiji also reminded the news fraternity to practise responsible, professional and ethical reporting, in order not to cause confusion and anxiety among the public.
The mass media can play a role in ensuring unity remains strong and peace is maintained among the diverse group of people in Sabah, he added.
"During the month of Ramadan, I had attended breaking of fast events in various places including in Peninsular Malaysia participated by people from all races and religions.
"This clearly shows that there is harmony among the people of various races, religions and cultures, which must be protected at all times
"We hope that the media will cooperate by providing positive and balanced reporting apart from protecting religious and racial sensitivity," Hajiji added.
On another note, he said the Sabah government is always keeping a check and re-evaluate the performance of its machinery, so that it will stay at the optimum level.
For example, Hajiji said he would not hesitate to overhaul any non-performing agency or government-linked companies (GLCs).
"In fact, we are in the process of scrutinising several entities for restructuring. It is necessary so that this will not bleed the state coffers," he said.
