Kota kinabalu: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim expressed his understanding of the grievances faced by media practitioners in Sabah, who continue to receive low salaries despite having more than a decade of experience in the industry.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar, during a breakfast and Sembang Santai session with Sabah media practitioners, highlighted his surprise at the persistence of low pay amidst the rising cost of living and the substantial profits reported by some media companies. He remarked, “Media now is not like before because there is a lot of competition from social media, but I feel that if someone has worked for 10 years, is already a senior, and the salary remains so low, I’m sympathetic. I will do my part to persuade, I will tell media companies to provide something that is fair and just.”

Anwar noted that some registered media companies are securing numerous contracts and recording impressive profits, which, in his view, negates any justification for low pay. He shared his shock upon learning that some journalists, after 10 years of service, earn around RM2,000, a figure he deemed unacceptable.

In response to these concerns, Anwar tasked Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil with preparing a comprehensive report on journalists’ pay, particularly in Sabah. The aim is to identify effective solutions, potentially including incentives for media companies to enhance journalists’ salaries or allowances.

Anwar elaborated that the government has established a minimum salary of RM3,100 for employees of government-linked companies like Permodalan Nasional Berhad, Khazanah, and Petronas, with starting salaries for new civil servants not falling below RM2,000. This move serves as a signal for the private sector to reassess their salary structures amidst rising prices and living costs.

During a question-and-answer session at the event, Sabah Journalists Association president Mariah Doksil highlighted the plight of media practitioners in Sabah, particularly those paid on a per-assignment basis, who are still earning low salaries.

Addressing media freedom, especially during the 17th Sabah State Election campaign, Anwar emphasized that while the media is free to criticize, it should also fairly present the government’s responses. He stated, “Sometimes the problem is, you attack us but when we reply, you leave it out, and then you give your own views. That’s the problem… I feel it is not fair, but even then, we do not have the power to instruct the media.”

Anwar underscored the importance of maintaining a balanced space for all parties, including the government, opposition, and public, particularly in an era where social media wields significant influence.

The event was attended by notable figures, including Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) editor-in-chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj, Broadcasting Department director-general Datuk Suhaimi Sulaiman, Daily Express editor-in-chief Datuk James Sarda, Utusan Borneo Sabah editor-in-chief Datuk Lichong Angkui, The Borneo Post editor-in-chief Datuk Chiu Nai Wen, and See Hua Daily News editor-in-chief Toh Chee Kong.

The Kasih@HAWANA Fund, implemented by the Communications Ministry through Bernama, has benefited 31 media practitioners in Sabah. Launched in conjunction with National Journalists Day (HAWANA) 2023, this initiative underscores the MADANI Government’s commitment to compassion, empathy, and appreciation for media practitioners’ contributions, benefiting a total of 555 recipients to date.