Sukma XXI: Highlight human-interest stories as well, media urged

KUCHING (Aug 23): There is a backstory to every winner’s success in the ongoing Malaysia Games (Sukma XXI), and the media ought to highlight them in their daily reports.

Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Corporate Affairs and Sarawak Public Communications Unit) Datuk Abdullah Saidol emphasised that such stories on how athletes experienced en route to their success should be shared with the people.

“Our Premier during yesterday’s Cabinet meeting said apart from reporting on the results and winners throughout Sukma, what’s more interesting is the result of the creativity and dedication of the reporters as well as reports that touch on the humanity aspects.

“For example, our Premier came across a video on TikTok of a Terengganu athlete embracing and thanking his coach after his gold medal win. There is a story to this, and this is humanity,” he told reporters at a press conference at the Sukma Main Media Centre after presenting prizes to the winners of ‘Picture of the Day’ and ‘Article of the Day’ contest for media practitioners involved in Sukma XXI.

Abdullah, who is Semop assemblyman, cited there were also pictures of athletes hugging and kissing their parents, and that their success was mostly due to the strong family support.

“Some pictures, although wordless, speaks volumes of how the athletes, their family members and close friends react to the success or failures as well as disappointment, apart from reporting on the matches and sometimes sensational happenings during the competition,” he added.

Meanwhile, Deputy State Secretary (Operations) and Sukma XXI Sarawak chief executive officer (CEO) Datu Hii Chang Kee encouraged the media to approach the volunteers and technical officials as well as various government agencies personnel for stories on how they play their roles in contributing to the successful organising and smooth running of Sukma XXI.

“The media plays a very important part in covering Sukma XXI, and with two days more to go, we hope the media will interview the volunteers and those contributing to the success of Sukma XXI. These are our unsung heroes who are working very hard behind the scenes,” he said.

The contest, organised by Sukma Secretariat and Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas), was meant to recognise the duty, dedication and sacrifice of the reporters and photographers.

A total of 107 entries have been received for the ‘Picture of the Day’ category and 101 entries for the ‘Article of the Day’ category.

Ukas is offering the first to third place winners of both categories cash prizes of RM2,000, RM1,000 and RM500, respectively, as well as consolation prize of RM100 each.