KKJA thanks Musa for recognition
KOTA KINABALU: Kota Kinabalu Journalists Association (KKJA) chairman Yong Ted Phen yesterday thanked the Chief Minister Tan Sri Musa Haji Aman for recommending journalists for the state awards and honours in recognition of their professionalism and contribution to the industry.
He also expressed gratitude to the Head of State Tun Juhar Mahiruddin for conferring the state awards and honours to the journalists this year.
Yong said Musa is an Honorary Advisor to KKJA.
“Tan Sri Musa Aman has maintained a close relationship with journalists even before he was the Chief Minister of Sabah. His concern for the journalism industry has never ceased. In fact, the Chief Minister often exchanges warm greetings with members of the press during official functions,” he said in a statement yesterday.
Yong said Musa had made it a point to grace the annual Chinese New Year Luncheon organized by KKJA to celebrate the festival with the association’s advisors, sponsors, members and their families.
Additionally, he said the state government led by Musa had allocated RM60,000 annually to sponsor the Kinabalu Shell Press Awards.
“In recognition of the journalists’ contribution, Tan Sri Musa Aman recommends a few media practitioners for the state awards and honours in conjunction with the Head of State’s official birthday every year.
“Thanks to the Chief Minister, many reporters and editors have been conferred the Panglima Gemilang Darjah Kinabalu (PGDK), Ahli Setia Darjah Kinabalu (ASDK), Ahli Darjah Kinabalu (ADK), Bintang Setia Kinabalu (BSK), Bintang Kinabalu (BK), Sijil Kehormat (SK) and even Justices of the Peace (JP) over the years.”
Yong said he was also conferred the ADK award this year upon the recommendation by Musa.
“I wish to thank Tan Sri Musa Aman for the recommendation and Tun Juhar Mahiruddin for conferring the award.”
He also urged media practitioners to demonstrate high professionalism in their duties and continue to serve as a bridge between the government and the communities.