Minister lauds media for defending S’wak’s rights through rebuttals, deepening public understanding

By Dayangku Hidayatul

KUCHING, Aug 30: Sarawak media’s role in reporting rebuttals and providing accurate explanations on the State’s oil and gas matters has been praised as vital in reinforcing public understanding and defending the State’s legal rights.

Minister of Utility and Telecommunication Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi highlighted how local media practitioners have stepped up in countering inaccurate claims and criticisms, particularly regarding the appointment of Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (PETROS) as the State’s gas aggregator and the ongoing discourse surrounding the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).

“I have read many rebuttals issued by various parties. I am very delighted to learn that counter information has come from Sarawak media, offering the public clear and accurate explanations, not only about Sarawak appointing PETROS under our existing laws, but also on the continued relevance of State laws even after the formation of Malaysia in 1963,” he said when addressing his ministry’s Media Nite at a hotel here on Friday night (Aug 29).

Julaihi stressed that the media’s timely reporting, especially through social media, plays a strategic role in ensuring government policies and State rights are properly understood by the people.

“We have always appreciated your efforts in making sure this information reaches the people we are targeting,” he added.

Julaihi also acknowledged the challenges posed by misinformation spread online but commended the media for issuing factual rebuttals to safeguard Sarawak’s image and interest.

“So I must say thank you very much for your contribution,” he said.

On a broader note, he urged all agencies and departments under his ministry to strengthen their corporate communications to work more effectively and responsively with the media.

“The media is our strategic partner in helping the people understand government policies, particularly in utilities and telecommunications,” he said.

He further assured that the ministry remains open to suggestions and cooperation with media practitioners to ensure reports are accurate, transparent, and balanced.

Before concluding, he expressed pride and gratitude for the longstanding collaboration with the press, especially in supporting Sarawak’s agenda to achieve full utilities and telecommunications coverage by 2030 under the Post-Covid Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.

“You are the Ministry’s strategic partners. Continue your efforts with your pens, lenses, and voices in delivering the news, information, and initiatives carried out by the government,” he urged. — DayakDaily

Advertisement