PETALING JAYA: The media has a role as the voice of the people, a balance to power and the conscience of the nation, says the Prime Minister.
In a message to mark National Journalists’ Day yesterday, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim described it as an occasion to pay tribute to journalists and media practitioners who have long served as the voice of the people and as one of the key pillars in strengthening the nation’s democracy.
He called on media practitioners to report responsibly to ensure the truth is not distorted.
“The role of the media is not merely to deliver news, but to carry the great responsibility of upholding the truth with integrity, credibility, courage and a sense of accountability.
“In an era of information overload and borderless news dissemination, responsible reporting is crucial to ensure that facts are conveyed accurately, ethically, and without jeopardising social harmony.
“May journalists and media practitioners continue to be the voice of the people, a balance to power, and the conscience of the nation,” said Anwar in a Facebook post.
The National Journalists’ Day, which is also known as Hawana, was first declared in 2018 and gazetted as a national day by the government in 2021 to honour the contributions, dedication, and integrity of media practitioners in shaping an informed society.
The highlight of the Hawana 2026 celebration would be held at the PICCA Convention Centre @ Butterworth Arena, Penang, on June 20, and will be officiated by Anwar.
Themed “Media Integrity Strengthens Credibility”, the country’s largest media gathering serves as an important arena to strengthen journalistic professionalism amid a challenging communication landscape.
The event is expected to gather about 1,000 local and foreign media practitioners and serve as a strategic platform to spark fresh ideas and shape journalism’s future direction.
