Richard Wee: Close media ties help channel public feedback to state leaders

KUCHING (Feb 8): Close collaboration between organisations and the media is essential to ensure that community voices reach the state government, said Federation of Chinese Associations Kuching-Samarahan-Serian Division (FCAKSS) president Dato Sri Richard Wee.

Wee said organisations such as FCAKSS rely on media professionals to communicate their activities, objectives and concerns to the wider public, while also relaying feedback and suggestions to government authorities.

“Thank you for assisting us in disseminating our activities so people can understand our intentions.

“We would also like to be recognised as one of the organisations that can serve as a bridge between the government and the community, so that we can take this opportunity to let our government hear our voices, hear our appeal, and also our suggestions,” he said.

Wee said this in his speech at the Media Appreciation Luncheon 2026 organised by FCAKSS, which was graced by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Prof Dr Sim Kui Hian, at a restaurant here on Sunday.

He expressed gratitude to the media for its consistent support and noted that such collaboration is particularly important in matters relating to public policy and state rights.

“We hope that in the future we will continue to work together and continue to support our government in all sound policies,” he said.

He also reaffirmed FCAKSS’s commitment to supporting the Sarawak government in safeguarding the state’s rights, including those under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), as well as resources such as oil and gas.

Meanwhile, FCAKSS vice president and organising chairman Chew Kien Liang highlighted the media’s pivotal role in connecting information with the public and ensuring that important community issues are heard.

“The media serves as an important bridge in our society, playing a vital role in connecting information with the public.

“Over the years, media professionals have upheld the principles of professionalism, responsibility and truth, documenting the times and conveying information, allowing many important stories and voices to be seen and heard,” he said.

Chew noted that the luncheon was both a gesture of appreciation and a platform for organisations, community leaders and the media to interact, strengthen relationships and foster mutual understanding for the benefit of society.