KOTA KINABALU – A veteran journalist from Sabah has expressed full support for the 6th National Journalists’ Day Celebration (Hawana) to be held in this state next year.
In welcoming the annual organisation of Hawana, Gundohing Joseph Bingkasan believes that the organisers should consider the spirit of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) when determining the host for next year’s celebration.
He stated that this is important because MA63, enshrined in the Federal Constitution, recognises the equal status among the regions of Malaya, Sarawak, and Sabah.
“Hawana has been celebrated four times in Peninsular Malaysia and once in Sarawak, so I think it would be appropriate to hold it in Sabah next year.
“The celebration in Sabah will also symbolise the true meaning of One Malaysia in line with the aspirations of the Madani Government,” he said.
Bingkasan made these remarks while reflecting on the Hawana celebration held at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL) on June 14.
He also expressed hope that the Sabah government would provide strong support for the Hawana celebration if it is chosen to host the event next year.
“We hope that Hawana will not only be celebrated by media practitioners across the country but will also involve students from communication programs in this state, including students from Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS).
“ This will help provide exposure, especially for those who wish to enter the field of media or journalism in the future,” he said.
Hawana, now in its fifth edition this year after its inaugural event in 2018, is an annual event that brings together media practitioners to appreciate their roles and contributions to national development.
Hawana aims, among other things, to recognise the role of journalists and media practitioners in Malaysia, as well as to provide a platform for media practitioners to share opinions and enhance the development and growth of the media industry in Malaysia. – June 12, 2025