Hajiji being greeted by media members on arrival at the breaking of fast with the media ceremony at Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort and Spa, Kota Kinabalu, today.
KOTA KINABALU: The State Government highly values the role of the media fraternity in raising issues affecting the state and people.
“The State Government appreciates your role in this aspect and I have no doubt the media will continue to keep your ears on the ground and to report relevant issues so that action can be taken.
“The State Government will do its level best to act on it,” said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Haji Noor.
Hosting the breaking of fast with Sabah media practioners at the Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort and Spa here today, he said the State Government is always keeping check and to re-evaluate the performance of its machinery so that it will stays at the optimum level.
For example, he said he 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 coffers,” he said.
He said the media also played an important role in the development of the state and people because media reports are sources of information for the government at the grassroots level.
“Again the government is thankful to the media in 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.
At the same time, the Chief Minister urged the media to be responsible, professional and to observe ethics in their reporting so that the people will not be confused and anxious.
Hajiji said that during the month of Ramadan, he had attended breaking of fast events in various places including in Peninsular Malaysia participated by people from all races and religions.
This clearly showed that there is a harmony among the people of various race, religion and culture, which must be protected at all costs.
Towards this end, Hajiji said the mass media has an important role to play in ensuring unity remained strong and peace is maintained among the multi-racial and religious people in the state.
“The State Government always hope that the media will cooperate by providing positive and balanced reportings apart from protecting religious and racial sensitivity,” he said.
Hajiji also called upon the media to continue supporting the government development agenda, especially the Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya, which is now entering its third year of implementation.
Also present were State Secretary Datuk Seri Sr Safar Untong, assistant ministers, Sabah Journalists Association President Datuk Mugunthan Vanar, Kota Kinabalu Journalists Association Chairman Jimmy Goh, chief editors and bureau chiefs.
