KUCHING: The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation, Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, reaffirmed the MADANI government’s commitment to strengthening Malaysia’s media landscape by championing ethical journalism and introducing landmark protections for media practitioners.
He praised the recent passing of the Malaysian Media Council Bill 2024, describing it as a historic step towards self-regulation and media empowerment.
“The MADANI government stands resolute in its commitment to building a robust, ethical and resilient media ecosystem,” he said during the Sarawak Media Conference (SMeC) Dinner 2025 in conjunction with the National Journalists’ Day (HAWANA) on Wednesday.
“This commitment took a major leap with the passing of the Malaysian Media Council Bill 2024, paving the way for self-regulation, a mark of maturity, trust and empowerment for the industry.” he added
Among those present at the dinner were Sarawak Minister for Transport Datuk Sri Lee Kim Shin; Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Corporate Affairs, Information, and UKAS) Datuk Abdullah Saidol; Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Datuk Snowdan Lawan; Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Integrity and Ombudsman) Datuk Dr Juanda Jaya; Sarawak Deputy State Secretary (Operations) Datuk Hii Chang Kee; UKAS director Awang Putrayusrie Awang Redzuan; along with other distinguished guests.
Fadillah pointed to groundbreaking protections announced during National Journalists’ Day (HAWANA) 2025 by Communications Minister, Datuk Fahmi Fadzil.
“Our Communications Minister, Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, announced groundbreaking protections for part-time and freelance journalists, stringers, through SOCSO and the i-Saraan EPF scheme, benefitting thousands, while also extending travel support through the 50 per cent AirAsia fare discounts across ASEAN destinations.
“These are not just policies; they are affirmations of respect for your labour, your integrity, and your essential role in our democracy,” Fadillah said.
He also praised Sarawak’s proactive role in advancing national media dialogue, noting the inclusion of Sarawak’s Phyllis Wong and Ronnie Teo as founding members of the national Media Consultative Council, a testament to the state’s leadership in Malaysia’s media landscape.
Moving ahead, Fadillah urged journalists to continue highlighting stories of innovation, struggle, and policy impacts, particularly as Sarawak moves towards a high-income, green, and technologically advanced economy under the Post-COVID Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.
“Let your platforms remain spaces where truth prevails, dignity is upheld, and hope endures,” he said.
Additionally, he also announced financial contributions to several media-related organisations as a gesture of support for the industry.
These included RM25,000 each to the Kelab Kebajikan Kakitangan Unit Komunikasi Awam Sarawak (UKAS) and Kelab Belia Azam Bandar Kuching, as well as RM15,000 each to the Kuching Division Journalists Association (KDJA), Northern Sarawak Journalists Association (NSJA), Sibu Journalists Association (SJA), and Institute of Rejang Journalists (IRJ).
He concluded by calling on journalists to embrace artificial intelligence as a tool to strengthen, not undermine, ethical journalism – aligning with the MADANI government’s vision of a progressive, inclusive and democratic Malaysia.
