Tempasuk: Journalists and media professionals must continue playing a central role in shaping the country’s future, according to Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali. He emphasised that journalism remains essential to national development and deserves broader recognition.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Armizan highlighted the dedication and contributions of journalists in nation-building. He stated, “Their dedication and contributions have helped build the nation. This role is vital in helping Malaysia progress towards a more advanced and prosperous future,” during a press briefing after officiating the Gagasan Rakyat Sabah annual conference in Tempasuk.

Armizan’s remarks came in conjunction with National Journalists Day (HAWANA) 2025, which commenced on Friday with a significant gathering of media professionals in Kuala Lumpur. The event was themed ‘Journalism in the New Era: Embracing AI, Safeguarding Ethics’, and attracted around 1,000 local and international media practitioners. It was officiated by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

Also in attendance were Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa, Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching, and senior figures from Malaysia’s media industry. Notable guests included Communications Ministry secretary-general Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa, Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) chairman Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai, chief executive officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin, and Editor-in-Chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj, who also serves as project director for HAWANA 2025.