Provide clarity on RM700 media incentive, state Dapsy chief tells S’wak govt

MIRI (March 7): Media practitioners in the state deserve clarity and sincerity from the state government, rather than statements that cause confusion and raise false expectations, said Sarawak Democratic Action Party Socialist Youth (Dapsy) chief Peter Hee.

He emphasised the important role of the media in society, reporting facts, holding institutions accountable, and keeping the public informed.

“Therefore, they deserve sincerity and clarity from the government, not statements that mislead and create false expectations,” Hee said, commenting on a statement by Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Corporate Affairs and Sarawak Public Communications Unit) Datuk Abdullah Saidol regarding incentives for media personnel in the state.

Abdullah had clarified that the RM700 incentive previously announced by the Sarawak government was used as a formula to determine the contributions channelled to media associations in the state, rather than being given individually to media practitioners.

The incentive was first announced by Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg during the December 2025 State Legislative Assembly sitting, as a one-off RM700 payment for private media practitioners registered as of Dec 1 last year.

According to Hee, Abdullah’s statement contradicted the initial understanding of the incentive and has caused confusion among media members and the public.

“If the intention from the beginning was to channel the funds to associations, why was this not clearly stated when the first announcement was made?” he questioned.

Hee added that the situation gives the impression that the government made a sensational announcement to attract attention, only to later adjust the narrative when questions arose.

He added that such inconsistencies could damage public trust and undermine the credibility of the state government’s communications.