(Kuching, 17th) Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Amar Fadillah Yusof stated that in the digital era, where fake news often spreads faster than facts, the media remains a crucial bridge between the government and the people. It must maintain the public's right to know and social trust through accurate, truthful, and responsible news reporting.
He said that today, the role of journalists is not just to report the news, but to safeguard the truth, strengthen public confidence, and ensure national stability as an important strategic partner.
Speaking at the 2026 National Journalists' Day (HAWANA) Sarawak Celebration and the 2026 Sarawak Media Conference (SMEC) dinner held at Pullman Hotel Kuching last night (July 16), Fadillah said: “The challenges faced by the media are no longer about being the first to break the news, but about being the most accurate, most ethical, and most trustworthy media for the people.”
He noted that journalists, public relations practitioners, and civil servants are all vital drivers of the nation's communication system.
He pointed out that the media plays a key role in fostering community engagement, reflecting public opinion, passing on cultural heritage, and inclusively communicating the national development agenda.
He said: “In my opinion, one of the most important responsibilities of the media is to serve as a bridge between the government and the people.”
Fadillah stated that as society faces challenges such as fake news, content falsification, cybersecurity threats, and AI-generated content that is increasingly difficult to distinguish from reality, clear and credible communication is even more critical.
He said: “We cannot let an information vacuum be filled by speculation, nor should rumors spread faster than the truth. Therefore, we must unite and work together, Segulai, Sejalai (Hand in hand, in unity and cooperation).”
He emphasized that communications based on facts help the people understand and evaluate government decisions based on truth rather than impressions or speculation.
Fadillah added: “Freedom of the press always comes with responsibility. Freedom is not a license to ignore the facts or incite hatred. On the contrary, press freedom must have truthfulness, fairness, balance, and the public interest as its core values.”
Speaking at the 2026 National Journalists' Day (HAWANA) Sarawak Celebration and the 2026 Sarawak Media Conference (SMEC) dinner held at Pullman Hotel Kuching last night (July 16), Fadillah said: “The challenges faced by the media are no longer about being the first to break the news, but about being the most accurate, most ethical, and most trustworthy media for the people.”
He noted that journalists, public relations practitioners, and civil servants are all vital drivers of the nation's communication system.
He pointed out that the media plays a key role in fostering community engagement, reflecting public opinion, passing on cultural heritage, and inclusively communicating the national development agenda.
He said: “In my opinion, one of the most important responsibilities of the media is to serve as a bridge between the government and the people.”
Fadillah stated that as society faces challenges such as fake news, content falsification, cybersecurity threats, and AI-generated content that is increasingly difficult to distinguish from reality, clear and credible communication is even more critical.
He said: “We cannot let an information vacuum be filled by speculation, nor should rumors spread faster than the truth. Therefore, we must unite and work together, Segulai, Sejalai (Hand in hand, in unity and cooperation).”
He emphasized that communications based on facts help the people understand and evaluate government decisions based on truth rather than impressions or speculation.
Fadillah added: “Freedom of the press always comes with responsibility. Freedom is not a license to ignore the facts or incite hatred. On the contrary, press freedom must have truthfulness, fairness, balance, and the public interest as its core values.”