KDJA to pursue formation of Sarawak Press Institute
KUCHING: Journalists Association of Kuching Division ( KDJA) will continue to pursue the formation of Sarawak Press Institute ( SPI) in collaboration with other journalist associations in the state.
KDJA chairman Jacqueline David said the fund to set up SPI was pledged by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg during a media event with the state government earlier this year as he wanted to see all journalist associations housed under one roof to facilitate the wellbeing and training of the journalists in Sarawak.
“We hope to have a meeting with the respective journalist associations in the state (Kuching, Sibu, and Miri) to stress the importance of SPI as soon as possible,” she said when chairing the KDJA annual generating meeting (AGM) for 2018 at a restaurant here recently.
The journalist associations in the state comprise Commonwealth Journalists Association ( CJA), Sibu Journalists Association (SJA), Institute Rejang Journalists ( IRJ), Northern Sarawak Journalists Association ( NSJA) and KDJA, whereas Federation of Sarawak Journalists Association ( FSJA) is more on Kenyalang Journalism Awards ( KJA).
This year’s AGM did not have any election for office bearers and the chairman and executive committee members remain unchanged until July 2019.
A total of 24 executive committee members and ordinary members attended the AGM.
Jacqueline said the SPI would likely be established in Kuching.
Among other matters that were brought up in the meeting were Yayasan Sarawak scholarships for journalists to further their studies and the Mt Kinabalu expedition by 15 journalists from July 15-17 next year which is also supported by the state government.
Currently KDJA, which was set up in the early 70s, has about 380 members throughout Kuching comprising media practitioners from mostly mainstream media – broadcasting, print (reporters and editors), portals, photographers, cameramen and videographers.