Joniston, accompanied by Sabah Journalists Association President Mariah Doksil and distinguished guests, with the winners at the Kinabalu Press Awards KPA 2026 ceremony in Kota Kinabalu last night.
KOTA KINABALU: The State Government has consistently supported the media industry through financial sponsorship for the organisation of the Kinabalu Press Awards KPA, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Haji Hajiji Haji Noor.
He said that since 2025, sponsorship contributions for the organisation of the KPA have increased to RM110,000 compared with RM100,000 in 2024.
“This increase in sponsorship contributions demonstrates that the State Government continues to appreciate and recognise the contributions of journalists, while supporting all efforts towards excellence among media practitioners in the state.
“Therefore, the State Government will continue to provide support as the main sponsor of this event. The State Government remains the principal contributor of sponsorship to the Kinabalu Press Awards this year,” he said at the Kinabalu Press Awards KPA 2026 ceremony held here last night. His speech was read by Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai.
The Chief Minister said that the State Government greatly values the contribution of journalists as strategic partners in communicating government policies and development achievements to the people.
“News reporting, particularly on the Sabah Maju Jaya development plan, has been carried out exceptionally well. In fact, during the period leading up to the dissolution of the Sabah State Legislative Assembly and throughout the 17th state election last year, media practitioners were directly involved, especially in news reporting.
“I have personally witnessed how media practitioners work tirelessly, putting in extra hours, pursuing stories from various angles and ensuring that every report delivered is accurate and of the highest integrity for the benefit of the public.
“Throughout that period, I also observed media practitioners working around the clock, regardless of weather conditions, to report every latest development. Congratulations and well done once again to all media practitioners for their commitment in carrying out their duties,” he said.
Although the speed of news delivery is a priority, he stressed that accuracy and the authenticity of facts must not be compromised.
“Therefore, I would like to urge all media practitioners to continue carrying out their responsibilities with integrity, guided by professional and responsible journalistic principles.
“Media practitioners must also continue to report news that is accurate, transparent, ethical and not easily influenced by false information,” he said.
