Vital for Sarawak to tell own story so not defined by others, says Dr Sim

KUCHING (March 19): Sarawak must ensure that the facts are reported without selective framing and headlines that could lead to misleading narratives, said Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.

The Deputy Premier pointed out that such treatment of the same facts could shape public perception.

He cited examples of how differing headlines could portray Sarawak either as a major contributor or as overly demanding, depending on the perspective presented.

“This is why telling our own story is important. If we don’t do it, others will define it for us,” he said at the Kuching Division Journalists Association (KDJA) Chinese New Year media night on Wednesday.

He emphasised that the media has a key role in supporting Sarawak’s ongoing nation-building efforts by highlighting issues affecting the state, including disparities in infrastructure, healthcare, and policy considerations.

“Sarawak is at a crucial stage of development, and if we do not speak up, no one will help us. We must highlight our realities and needs,” he said.

He cautioned that many narratives circulating on social media are increasingly misleading or entirely false, particularly with the rise of artificial intelligence-generated deepfake content.

“Every Sarawakian must remain vigilant in our nation-building efforts, as much of the social media content in Malaysia carries, at best, neutral narratives but increasingly misleading headlines — or worse, unverified and outright false narratives with malicious intent,” he said.

Dr Sim said that with the rise of digital platforms, anyone can become a source of information, making it increasingly difficult to distinguish between accurate reporting and misinformation.

“Nowadays, everyone is a social media star. Information is everywhere, but whether it is correct or not is another matter,” he pointed out.

He stressed that this environment makes the role of media professionals more important than ever, as they are expected to verify facts and provide reliable information to the public.

“If even media practitioners are confused, imagine the public. That is why credibility and professionalism are so important,” he added.

While acknowledging the prevalence of negative news, Dr Sim called for a more balanced approach in reporting.

“I want to see more positive stories, not just negative ones. Negative news spreads like a virus, but positive reporting is equally important in building society,” he said.

He also stressed the importance of unity and shared responsibility in advancing Sarawak’s development, noting that economic progress alone should not define the state.

“It is not about being rich, but it is about values, responsibility, and how we move forward together as a society,” he added.