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.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Tun Ramli expressed that the selection of Penang as host of this year's HAWANA celebrations was a significant honour for the state, which continues to evolve as a developed, dynamic, and competitive region. He mentioned the privilege of celebrating with media practitioners from across the country and the ASEAN region at the HAWANA 2026 dinner.

In a Facebook post, Tun Ramli welcomed delegates, media practitioners, communication professionals, and representatives of international media organisations gathered in Penang for the HAWANA 2026 celebrations. He emphasized that HAWANA serves as a platform to recognize members of the media fraternity, including veteran journalists who have made invaluable contributions. It also aims to strengthen cooperation and friendship among media organisations at the regional level.

Tun Ramli highlighted the media's role as a bridge for disseminating information, a catalyst for ideas, and a driver in shaping an informed and knowledgeable society. He hoped that the HAWANA 2026 celebrations would continue to strengthen journalistic professionalism and elevate the media industry in the future.

The HAWANA 2026 dinner, organised by the Penang government, was attended by nearly 350 guests, including media practitioners, editors-in-chief, senior executives of local and international media organisations, veteran journalists, and state government leaders. Notable attendees included Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, and other distinguished officials.

Approximately 1,000 media practitioners, particularly journalists, including those from several ASEAN countries, have gathered in Penang for the HAWANA 2026 main event, which will be officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at the PICCA Convention Centre Butterworth Arena. The event is held under the theme 'Media Integrity Strengthens Credibility', organised by the Ministry of Communications with Bernama as the implementing agency, recognising the contributions and professionalism of the country's media practitioners.