Sarawak: The media must strike a balance between press freedom and ethical responsibility as rapid advances in digital technology and artificial intelligence (AI) continue to reshape the journalism landscape, said Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. He emphasized the critical role journalists play in ensuring that the information disseminated is accurate, credible, and trustworthy in this new age of AI-driven content creation.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Abang Johari compared AI to a knife, highlighting its potential for both beneficial and harmful applications. He stressed that freedom in journalism must be accompanied by a commitment to ethical standards. This perspective was shared during his address at the Sarawak Media Conference (SMeC) 2026, where he pointed out that media freedom is not without limits, especially when it comes to maintaining public trust through responsible journalism.

Abang Johari further elaborated on the dual nature of technology, noting that while it is designed for positive uses, there is always the possibility of misuse. He underscored the importance of ethics as a guiding principle in the utilization of technology, including AI, within the media industry.

Additionally, he assured that the Sarawak government remains committed to supporting the growth of the media sector, contingent on the state's economic health. He also conveyed Sarawak's willingness to host future media conferences and collaborate with media organizations to enhance journalism professionalism. 'If you choose Sarawak to be the host, we are ready to work together at any time for the sake of good journalism,' he added.