Star bureau chief heads Sabah Journalists Association
KOTA KINABALU: The Star (Sabah) bureau chief, Muguntan Vanar, has been elected as the new Sabah Journalists Association (SJA) president.
With over 20 years of experience in journalism, Muguntan, or simply known as Mugu, 52, obtained 51 votes over former SJA president Francis Fahir, with a 28 majority votes for the president post at the SJA Biennial General Meeting 2017/2018 on Saturday.
Diana Dominic from Information Department was elected vice president in a threecornered fight.
She obtained 35 votes, beating male candidates Zakaria Damit (RTM) and Zaidi Jamin (Information Department).
See Hua Daily News photographer James Tseu retained his post as SJA treasurer, unopposed.
Lailah Elok from RTM also retained her secretary post after obtaining 43 majority or 59 votes against Zuraidah Ahmad from Information Department.
Utusan Borneo journalist Siti Aisyah Narudin was elected assistant secretary with 59 votes after beating her challenger from Information Department, Malina Jamarin.
The BGM also saw six new committee members (AJK) elected.
They were New Straits Times photographer Edmund Samunting, RTM journalist Emran Azmie Roslee, New Sabah Times photographer Eddie Angat, Bernama reporter Haslin Gaffor, New Straits Times (Sabah) bureau chief Kristy Inus and Daily Express journalist Ricardo Unto.
Eighty-one SJA members and five honorary members attended the meeting that was held at Zara Boutique at Harbour City.
In his first speech as president, Mugu said he would continue the struggle of past SJA presidents and members, especially in the development of its new building.
“One of the main focuses right now is the development of the SJA building which is very much needed.
“Other plans are to organise more programs and activities for SJA members.
“We will also come out with plans to raise funds for the development of the SJA building,” he said.
As the world of journalism is changing rapidly, Mugu pointed out the need to increase training programs for journalists, especially SJA members.
“At least, through SJA, we can prepare them through training programs and that is why SJA needs its own building to run such programs,” he said.
Mugu also expressed his thanks to Francis and all former SJA committee members for their hard work and dedication in continuing the struggle of SJA.