Temenggong Lau: Journalists urged to uphold ethics, accuracy and social responsibility

SIBU (Dec 25): Journalists must uphold strong ethical standards and adhere to facts as the foundation, with fairness as a priority, as a mark of professional competence, said Temenggong Dato Vincent Lau.

He said journalists must strike a balance between speed and accuracy, and make the right choices between chasing traffic and shouldering responsibility.

“This is not only a responsibility to readers, but also to society and to the future,” he said.

Lau was speaking at the Sibu Rejang Institute of Journalists (IRJ) annual Christmas gathering held on Thursday.

His text-of-speech was read by Penghulu Wong Ung.

Journalists, Lau said, played an extremely vital role in society.

“You are the recorders of our times, the conveyors of truth, and important guardians of social conscience,” he said.

However, he noted that journalism is no easy task in today’s rapidly evolving information landscape. The rise of online media and social platforms, he said, has accelerated the spread of information while also making the profession more complex.

“Fake news, one-sided reporting, and public opinion pressure are among the challenges that modern journalists face.”

On Christmas, Lau said it symbolises peace, hope, and renewal, and it also marks the approach of a new year

He said over the years, the IRJ has consistently organised this Christmas fellowship luncheon, which not only strengthens camaraderie among members of the media but also provides an important platform for exchanging experiences and fostering closer ties.

Also attending the event were Dato Chieng Buong Toon, representing Bukit Assek assemblyman Jospeh Chieng, councillor Simon Wee, Datuk Teo Boon Siew, Dr Tony Kong and Penghulu Chua Hiong Kee and IRJ deputy president Chia So Kiong.