SIBU: The media plays an important role as a strategic partner in ensuring transparency, accountability and effectiveness of public administration, says Bawang Assan state assemblyman, Datuk Seri Wong Soon Koh.
He stressed that the media should not be seen as an adversary but rather as an important bridge between the people and the responsible parties.
“Through reports and analysis, the media helps the public understand government policies and evaluate their implementation more objectively.
“Good governance not only depends on the planning and implementation of policies but also the ability of government departments and agencies to convey information clearly and accurately to the people.
“When development projects, social assistance, infrastructure improvements or regulatory changes are implemented, the media becomes the main channel to inform the public about these matters,” he said at the Media Dinner Reception in conjunction with the Chinese New Year celebration here on Thursday (Feb 26).
At the same time, Wong said media reports often provide important feedback when issues or grievances arise at the grassroots level, which allows departments and agencies to re-evaluate services and make necessary improvements.
In this regard, he described the role of the media as significant in supporting openness and responsible administration.
“I acknowledge the challenges faced by media practitioners, especially in the digital era when information spreads quickly and the issue of fake news is becoming more apparent.
“The field of journalism demands integrity, courage and a high sense of responsibility…here media practitioners must carry out their duties with professionalism despite facing increasingly challenging demands,” stressed Wong, who is also Progressive Demoractic Party (PDP) Senior Vice-President.
Also present were Wong’s wife, Datin Seri Pauline Leong; Sibu District Officer, Tsong Chow Choon; Councillor Sean Wong Juin Jieh, Councillor Wong Hua and others.
