GEORGE TOWN, April 24 (Bernama) -- Communications Ministry secretary-general Datuk Abdul Halim Hamzah today held a meeting with Penang State Secretary Datuk Seri Zulkifli Long at his office in Komtar here, in conjunction with the National Journalists’ Day (HAWANA) 2026 celebration.
Abdul Halim said the meeting, which lasted about 45 minutes, aimed to coordinate preparations and strengthen cooperation between the Federal and state governments to ensure the smooth organisation of the prestigious programme, which will be held in the Pearl of the Orient in June.
He described the HAWANA programme as the platform to appreciate the contributions, dedication and professionalism of the country’s media practitioners.
“This is a national tribute to the field of journalism, which has already provided professional and responsible service, where the media is a platform to provide information and enlightenment to the community as a whole, he told Bernama after the meeting.
Also present were Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) Chief Executive Officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin, head of Corporate Affairs Mariati Mohd Arif and Penang Bureau chief R. Ratcharathan.
Meanwhile, Zulkifli said that a main committee meeting would be held soon to further detail all aspects of the preparations, including programme content and the involvement of relevant agencies.
He said the state government is fully committed to providing the best cooperation in ensuring the smooth organisation of the prestigious event.
On Feb 27, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil announced that HAWANA 2026 will be held in Penang in June and is expected to be launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
HAWANA, the largest gathering of media practitioners in Malaysia, is organised by the Ministry of Communications through Bernama as the implementing agency.
The prestigious event, which is an important platform to recognise the role of media practitioners in Malaysia and strengthen the journalism ecosystem, has previously been held in Kuala Lumpur, Melaka, Ipoh and Kuching.
He described the HAWANA programme as the platform to appreciate the contributions, dedication and professionalism of the country’s media practitioners.
“This is a national tribute to the field of journalism, which has already provided professional and responsible service, where the media is a platform to provide information and enlightenment to the community as a whole, he told Bernama after the meeting.
Also present were Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) Chief Executive Officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin, head of Corporate Affairs Mariati Mohd Arif and Penang Bureau chief R. Ratcharathan.
Meanwhile, Zulkifli said that a main committee meeting would be held soon to further detail all aspects of the preparations, including programme content and the involvement of relevant agencies.
He said the state government is fully committed to providing the best cooperation in ensuring the smooth organisation of the prestigious event.
On Feb 27, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil announced that HAWANA 2026 will be held in Penang in June and is expected to be launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
HAWANA, the largest gathering of media practitioners in Malaysia, is organised by the Ministry of Communications through Bernama as the implementing agency.
The prestigious event, which is an important platform to recognise the role of media practitioners in Malaysia and strengthen the journalism ecosystem, has previously been held in Kuala Lumpur, Melaka, Ipoh and Kuching.