KUALA LUMPUR, May 29 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has stressed the importance of responsible reporting in an era of information overload and borderless news dissemination to ensure facts are conveyed accurately, ethically and without undermining social harmony.

In a Facebook post marking the National Journalists’ Day (Hawana) today, Anwar said the role of the media extends beyond reporting the news, carrying instead a major responsibility to uphold truth with integrity, credibility, courage and accountability.

“Today, we commemorate National Journalists’ Day as a tribute to journalists and media practitioners who have long served as the voice of the people and as one of the key pillars strengthening the nation’s democracy.

“May journalists and media practitioners continue to be the voice of the people, a balance to power and the conscience of the nation,” he said.

Hawana was introduced in 2018 to recognise the contributions of journalists to national development, with May 29 chosen to mark the first publication of Utusan Melayu in 1939.

This year, Hawana carries the theme “Media Integrity Strengthens Credibility”, with the main celebration slated on June 20 in Penang to be officiated by Anwar. — Bernama