KUALA LUMPUR - The late Rozaid Abdul Rahman, a towering figure in Malaysian journalism, was posthumously awarded the Hawana 2025 Special Award in recognition of his lifelong dedication and influential legacy in the media industry.
The award ceremony marked the climax of the National Journalists Day (Hawana) celebration, held at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL) on June 14.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who personally presented the award to Rozaid’s eldest son, Roz Ariffin, 34, described Rozaid as a principled and responsible true champion of press freedom.
“The world of Malaysian journalism continues to remember the outstanding figure of great stature, the late Rozaid Rahman. To me, he was more than a journalist.
“He was a true friend, a sharp thinker and a principled and responsible fighter for media freedom,” Anwar said in a heartfelt Facebook post.
The award presentation was witnessed by Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, along with more than 1,000 guests, including local and international media professionals.
Also in attendance were Bernama Chairman Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai, Bernama Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin and Bernama Editor-in-Chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj, who also served as the Hawana 2025 Project Director.
Rozaid, who passed away on Aug 18, 2024, due to a heart attack, had an illustrious career spanning over 40 years. Born in Nibong Tebal, Penang, on Oct 1, 1964, Rozaid began his journey in journalism as a cadet reporter with Utusan Melayu on April 21, 1984.
He later became the youngest person to be appointed Group News Editor at the age of 27. He etched his name into history as the first Malaysian journalist to set foot in the Communist Party of Malaya (CPM) tunnels at the Thai border in December 1989.
His exclusive report gained international attention and was picked up by media outlets worldwide. He also became the first to successfully interview CPM Secretary-General Chin Peng and 10th Regiment Commander Rashid Maidin just before the signing of the Peace Agreement between the Malaysian Government and the CPM in Hat Yai, Thailand.
Rozaid’s journalistic courage extended beyond borders. He spent over a month in Bangkok covering the 1991 military coup that toppled the Thai government. In recognition of his contributions, he was awarded the British High Commission journalism scholarship in 1992, attending a journalism fellowship programme at Wolfson College, United Kingdom (UK).
He was later named the Penang Journalist Icon in 1994 and went on to become the first Malaysian to win the Asian Digital Media Award in Hong Kong on Nov 18, 2015, hosted by the World Association of Newspapers and News Publishers.
Rozaid not only witnessed but also shaped the transformation of Malaysian journalism. A pioneer in digital journalism, he played a crucial role in the development of mStar Online under The Star Media Group and later spearheaded the launch of Sinar Daily, the English-language portal of Sinar Harian.
In 2023, he returned to The Star as Group Editorial Consultant before being appointed Director of Media and Strategic Communications at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) on May 23, 2023, where he managed the government’s communication and media strategies.
Hawana 2025, themed “Journalism in the New Era: Balancing AI and Ethics,” was celebrated over three days, with May 29 officially recognised as National Journalists Day.
The date commemorates the publication of the first edition of Utusan Melayu on May 29, 1939, and serves to honour the contributions of media professionals in fostering an informed society.
“I hope the spirit and values of Rozaid’s struggle will continue to serve as a beacon for young media practitioners in upholding truth, honouring ethics and strengthening democracy,” Anwar said in tribute.
Rozaid’s passing was widely mourned, but his legacy continues to resonate. As a journalist, editor and media leader, his career embodied integrity, innovation and an unwavering commitment to the truth.