Media plays important role in Sabah's development - Hajiji

KOTA KINABALU - The media plays an important role in the development of Sabah and the people as news reports produced are also sources of information for the government at the grassroots level, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.

He said the media continues to keep their ears on the ground and reports relevant issues so that

action can be taken, especially involving the people's welfare, adding that the state government then will do its level best to act on it.

Hajiji also called upon the media to continue supporting the government’s development agenda, especially the ‘Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya’, which is now entering its third year of implementation.

"The state government appreciates your (media) role in this aspect. The government is thankful to the media for reporting past, present and future efforts of the government.

"Even during the recent political chaos in Sabah, the media was among the main information source for the people to know the actual situation,” he said in his speech when hosting a breaking of fast event with Sabah media practitioners here today.

Also present were Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Assistant Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, Sabah State Secretary Datuk Seri Safar Untong, Sabah Journalists Association President Datuk Mugunthan Vanar and Kota Kinabalu Journalists Association Chairman Jimmy Goh.

Hajiji said the state government is always keeping check on the performance of its machinery so that it remains at optimum level.

"For example, we would not hesitate to overhaul any non-performing agency or GLCs. In fact, we are in the process of scrutinising several entities for restructuring. This is necessary so that this will not bleed the state’s coffers,” he said.

At the same time, the Chief Minister urged the media practitioners to be responsible and professional and

to observe ethics in their reporting so that the people will not be confused and anxious.

Hajiji said the mass media has an important role to play in ensuring unity remains strong and peace is maintained among the state’s multi-racial and multi-religious communities. - BERNAMA