-BernamaPic
KOTA KINABALU: The Communications and Digital Minister is determined to ensure that media practitioners will not face any retrenchments while helming the ministry.
Fahmi Fadzil (pic) said that he counted many media practitioners as his friends, especially during his time as a columnist at The Star, and it saddened him when he heard of media practitioners, including his friends, losing their jobs, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"I was blessed when Prime Minister (Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim) asked me to undertake the responsibility and duty to serve and help my friends. The pandemic period was a very challenging scenario.
"Challenging not only in the economic sector but also to you (media practitioners), many lost their jobs...we will try our best so reporters in my time, none will be retrenched," he said during his speech at the Kinabalu Press Award 2023 on Saturday (Oct 28).
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor officiated the event in the presence of Sabah Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai and Sabah Journalist Association (SJA) president Datuk Muguntan Vanar.
Fahmi said that during engagement sessions with media practitioners before the tabling of the Media Council Bill in Parliament next March, it was important that the council could protect the welfare of media practitioners.
"I have asked my deputy (Teo Ni Ching) to hold a series of meetings with media practitioners after we settle some matters. We want more comprehensive law-making before going forward," he said, adding that in the past few years, billions had flowed into social media, especially Google, Meta and TikTok. Thus, a win-win situation must be taken, especially with social media and media organisations.
"This is important so we can have a sustainable media. For this sustainable media, we must have engagements and win-win situations and a win in good ethical media. I'm speaking from my heart; we don't want any lose their jobs and a brighter future for journalism," he said.- Bernama
