The Communications and Digital Minister, Fahmi Fadzil, is committed to preventing any retrenchments among media practitioners under his ministry. Fahmi, who has many friends in the media industry, expressed his sadness at hearing about media practitioners losing their jobs, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. He feels blessed to have been given the opportunity to serve and support his friends during this challenging period.
Speaking at the Kinabalu Press Award 2023, Fahmi stated that his utmost priority is to protect media practitioners from losing their jobs. He is currently engaging in discussions with media practitioners to better understand their needs and concerns before the Media Council Bill is presented in Parliament next March.
During the event, which was officiated by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor and attended by Sabah Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai and Sabah Journalist Association (SJA) president Datuk Muguntan Vanar, Fahmi highlighted the importance of comprehensive laws to safeguard the welfare of media practitioners.
Fahmi’s deputy, Teo Ni Ching, has been assigned to arrange meetings with media practitioners to ensure their voices are heard and their concerns are addressed. Fahmi emphasized the need for a win-win situation between social media platforms and media organizations, given the substantial investments made in platforms like Google, Meta, and TikTok in recent years.
He stressed the importance of sustainable media and ethical journalism, stating that a brighter future for journalism is achievable through collaboration and mutual benefit. Fahmi expressed his sincere desire to support media practitioners in retaining their jobs and building a prosperous future for journalism.
– Bernama
