COMMUNICATIONS and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil is determined to ensure journalists will not face retrenchments during his time helming the ministry. 

Fahmi said he counted many media practitioners as his friends, especially during his time as a columnist at The Star, and it saddened him when he heard of them losing their jobs, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic. 

“I was blessed when the prime minister asked me to undertake the responsibility and duty to serve and help my friends. The pandemic period was a very challenging scenario. 

“Challenging not only in the economic sector but also to you (the media); many lost their jobs…we will try our best so reporters in my time, none will be retrenched,” he said during his speech at the Kinabalu Press Award 2023 tonight. 

The event was officiated by Chief Minister Hajiji Noor in the presence of Sabah Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Joniston Bangkuai and Sabah Journalist Association president Muguntan Vanar.  

Fahmi said it was important to protect the welfare of media practitioners. 

“I have asked my deputy to hold a series of meetings with media practitioners after we settle some matters. We want more comprehensive law-making before going forward,” he said, adding that in the past few years, billions had flowed into social media especially Google, Meta, and Tik Tok. 

“This is important so we can have a sustainable media, in order for this sustainable media we must have engagements and win-win situations as well as a win in good ethical media. I’m speaking from my heart; we don’t want any to lose their jobs and a brighter future for journalism,” he said. 

Fahmi also closed his speech with a poem in Dusun and Malay, which received thunderous applause from the audience. – Bernama, October 29, 2023.