Media practitioners welcome National Press Day proposal

Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) general manager Datuk Zulkefli Salleh described the proposal as practical and timely.

He said it was apt for the press in Malaysia to be given official recognition for their role.

"We welcome the minister (Salleh)'s proposal and we will hold further discussions with relevant parties to make it a reality," he told Bernama here today.

Doubtless, said Zulkefli who is also president of Iswami (Ikatan Setiakawan Wartawan Malaysia-Indonesia), the national press in Malaysia had received various recognitions for their contributions.

"But a National Press Day is an official recognition to appreciate the deed and struggle of the media for the sake of the country," he said.

Meanwhile, Bernama editor-in-chief Datuk Zakaria Abdul Wahab said the proposal had long been awaited.

He said the national press had served as the medium in fighting for the religion, race and country and played an essential part in "injecting" the spirit of independence in the people against colonialism.

"We should accept the fact that the press and journalists had contributed significantly at that time to the independence that we now enjoy," he said.

Yesterday, Salleh said it was time for Malaysia to have a national press day to acnowledge and recognise the contribution of media practitioners in the development of the country.

He said the ministry was prepared to work with heads of media organisations in Malaysia in choosing and implementing the journalist day celebration from this year onwards.

He said this during a get-together with Indonesian media in conjunction with Indonesian National Press Day, here.