IT was a proud and memorable moment for former Radio Television Malaysia (RTM) director-general Datuk Suhaimi Sulaiman when he was presented with the Special HAWANA 2026 Award by Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil at the National Journalists’ Day celebration held at PICCA Convention Centre @ Butterworth Arena today.
Suhaimi, 64, said it was an honour to be selected by a panel of nine jurors representing different media platforms, including television, print and digital media. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim presented the award, which carries a cash prize of RM10,000, to him. Also present at the ceremony were Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil, and Bernama chairman Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai.
“When they announced my name, I must say it truly touched my heart — to be acknowledged by your peers,” said Suhaimi, who now runs a consultancy firm following his retirement as RTM director-general in February this year.
Starting his career as a broadcast journalist, Suhaimi went on to hold several senior positions in the media industry, including chairman of Bernama and chief executive officer of Astro Awani and Sarawak TV.
When asked for advice to aspiring journalists, he emphasised the importance of storytelling.
“You must always be a good storyteller,” he said, adding that while artificial intelligence is often seen as a threat to journalism, it should instead be viewed as a tool.
“People say artificial intelligence will take away your job. But I say AI is like a blender. You can put all the nice ingredients in it, but if you don’t know how to cook well, it will still taste bad. AI is just a tool — and you must still be a good storyteller,” he said.
He also stressed the importance of truth in journalism despite the rise of fake news.
“Very importantly, journalists must be truthful. Although there is plenty of fake news, there are also many smart readers who will verify information through credible and accredited media,” he added.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Muhamad Iqbal Hamdan & Siew Chia En