KUCHING: Writers and journalists must bear a heavy responsibility to ensure accuracy and integrity in their work.
In stating this local author Shahrina Ahmad Sharkawi, said this is because whatever is written would be subject to question again and again.
“Don’t forget, in the hereafter we will also be questioned. So never write in anger or out of emotion, because once a book or article is published, you can’t take it back,” said Shahrina who is taking part in this year’s Big Bad Wolf (BBW) book fair at The Hills.
“Readers rely on us. Speak the truth even if it’s bitter, but do it with wisdom so it can be received well.”
Shahrina, a full-time writer, photographer and sociologist, is also an active promoter of swaterbit, self-publishing, through the Persatuan Karyawan Sasterawan Sarawak.
“We help friends promote their books and encourage more Sarawak writers to share their stories,” she said.
She has published two books, her debut being Kasih Abadi di Bumi Abu Ayub Al-Ansari, released in December 2023, a travel memoir interwoven with Islamic history and her personal journey with her 70-year-old father in Istanbul.
The title honours the Prophet Muhammad’s companion Abu Ayub Al-Ansari, whose grave lies outside the old city walls of Constantinople, a site of profound historical significance.
The book blends family memories with socio-photography, combining rigorous research and captivating images from years of travel.
It was later selected by the National Library of Malaysia for its writers’ fund and distributed to village libraries across the country.
Her second title, Penghormatan Terakhir, pays tribute to former Sarawak Grand Imam Datuk Mohd Jorji Suhaili and explores the rich Islamic heritage of Sarawak.
Beyond writing, Shahrina conducts workshops on photo-travel writing and self-publishing to help aspiring authors produce their own books, even if rejected by mainstream publishers.
“We guide participants from structuring chapters to selecting photos, ensuring their work meets National Library standards while retaining creative freedom,” she explained.
Her sessions emphasise research accuracy and practical skills, from organising photographs to crafting a compelling narrative that readers can trust.
A strong supporter of Palestine, Shahrina draws on her experiences travelling as both a photographer and sociologist, having visited Gaza twice on humanitarian missions.
Her work blends meticulous fact-finding with striking imagery, a style she calls socio-photography.
For Shahrina, the core message remains clear: journalists and writers must remain vigilant in seeking facts and presenting them responsibly.
“The truth is always good, but not everyone will accept it immediately. That’s why we need skill to convey it gently. Good words come first, truth delivered with care will endure,” she said, urging both professionals and citizen journalists to remember the moral weight of their words.
Shahrina also told reporters that her second book will be launched by the Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, on Sept 30 at The Hills here.
