KUCHING, May 29 — Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg today said the state is willing to host the national-level National Journalists Day next year if Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil gives his consent.

He said the Sarawak Public Communications Unit (UKAS) will provide financial allocation to host event.

"We will also help a local journalists’ association to organise the National Journalists Day,” Abang Johari said at a high-tea reception for media practitioners held in conjunction with the National Journalists Day here.

He said the state government will work with the local journalist organisation to host a national media conference to raise the standard of journalistic reporting among the media practitioners in the state.

The premier expressed hope that graduates with corporate finance and banking degrees will become reporters, adding Sarawak needs reporters with multi-disciplines.

Abang Johari praised local media practitioners for their role in creating unity in the state by not sensationalising issues related to race and religion.

He said he does not believe in total press freedom but stressed that the people must have the freedom to think and be able to distinguish between good and bad.

He said unlimited press freedom would not benefit people or society.

He said press freedom must be exercised responsibly, adding that the state government accepts criticisms from the public.