BUTTERWORTH, Penang: Penang Governor, Tun Ramli Ngah Talib, has commended the Ministry of Communications for its initiative to rotate the hosting of the National Journalists’ Day (HAWANA) celebrations among states, allowing local communities to better appreciate the role and contributions of the media to the country’s development.
He said the selection of Penang as host of this year’s HAWANA celebrations was a great honour for the state, which continues to grow as a developed, dynamic and competitive state.
“It was an honour to celebrate with media practitioners from across the country and the ASEAN region at the HAWANA 2026 dinner last night.
“I am pleased to welcome delegates, media practitioners, communication professionals and representatives of international media organisations who have gathered in Penang for the HAWANA 2026 celebrations,” he said in a Facebook post today.
Tun Ramli said HAWANA not only serves as a platform to recognise members of the media fraternity, including veteran journalists who have made invaluable contributions, but also strengthens cooperation and friendship among media organisations at the regional level.
He said the media plays a vital role as a bridge for disseminating information, a catalyst for ideas and a driver in shaping an informed and knowledgeable society.
“May HAWANA 2026 celebrations continue to strengthen journalistic professionalism and elevate the media industry to greater heights in the future,” he said.
The HAWANA 2026 dinner, organised by the Penang Government and held on Friday night, brought together nearly 350 guests, including media practitioners, editors-in-chief, senior executives of local and international media organisations, veteran journalists and state government leaders.
Also present were Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, Penang State Secretary Datuk Seri Zulkifli Long, Communications Ministry Secretary-General Datuk Abdul Halim Hamzah, Timor-Leste Secretary of State for Social Communication Expedito Loro Dias Ximenes, and Communications Ministry Deputy Secretary-General (Strategic Communications and Creative Industry) Datuk Bahria Mohd Tamil.
Also in attendance were Malaysian National News Agency (BERNAMA) Chairman Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai, BERNAMA Chief Executive Officer and HAWANA 2026 Working Committee Chairman Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin, BERNAMA editor-in-chief and deputy chairman of the HAWANA 2026 Working Committee Arul Rajoo Durar Raj, and deputy editor-in-chief (News Service) and HAWANA 2026 project director Mohd Shukri Ishak.
About 1,000 media practitioners, particularly journalists, including those from several ASEAN countries, have gathered in Penang since yesterday for the HAWANA 2026 main event, which is officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at the PICCA Convention Centre @ Butterworth Arena today.
Held under the theme ‘Media Integrity Strengthens Credibility’, HAWANA 2026 is organised by the Ministry of Communications, with BERNAMA serving as the implementing agency, in recognition of the contributions, dedication and professionalism of the country’s media practitioners. – BERNAMA
