KUCHING: Only true Sarawakians are able to rely on each other to improve the state’s economy and make life better for all Sarawakians.
Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) president Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing said this at the media night hosted by his party last Sunday.
His speech was read by his deputy president Datuk Anthony Nogeh.
At the dinner, Tiong also praised the Sarawak media for being a cooperative bunch.
“You are supportive of each other and deliver true, accurate news to the public.
“This sense of cooperation really shows that people from Sarawak are ‘muhibbah’ and harmonious, even though we have different beliefs and customs.
“In other places, we don’t really see this form of mutual respect and cooperative spirit. We are indeed world famous for this,” he said.
Tiong added that his party truly respected and appreciated the media practitioners’ hard work and dedication in reporting news.
“Please continue as you have done until today —report the news fairly and look into the deeper issues. Don’t give voice to those who want to create issues that split our harmony and let our differences divide us.
“During a time of fake news and populism, sometimes delivering the facts can be boring to hear.
“But in a true and functioning democracy, we need to hear the right information, not what sounds good for the moment or what sounds tempting at the moment but not practical at all for our long-term future,” he added.
Tiong said Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) also relied on the media to help spread the correct facts and figures.
The annual media night themed ‘Cheers and Beers’ was held at Alfresco Wine and Dine, Hock Lee Centre.
It was attended by many media practitioners. Also present were PDP vice president cum Local Government and Housing Assistant Minister Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil, Meluan assemblyman Rolland Duat, political secretaries to the chief minister Alexander Asing, Brian Fung as well as PDP party members.The night featured beer drinking and karaoke sessions as well as a lucky draw which offered five AirAsia tickets to Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia and China as well as grand prizes of two Huawei P30 Pro smartphones.
