Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim emphasized 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 on National Journalists’ Day, May 29, 2026 [1, 2, 3, 4]. He said the media’s role goes beyond reporting news to upholding truth with integrity, credibility, courage, and accountability [1, 2, 3, 4]. "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," Anwar stated [1]. He added, "May journalists and media practitioners continue to be the voice of the people, a balance to power and the conscience of the nation" [4].
National Journalists’ Day, locally known as Hawana, is commemorated annually on May 29 in Malaysia to honor journalists’ contributions. It marks the first publication date of the Utusan Melayu newspaper in 1939 [1, 2, 4]. The day was officially established in 2018 to recognize the role of journalists in national development [1, 4].
The 2026 Hawana theme is "Media Integrity Strengthens Credibility" ("廉正媒体，公信之本" in Chinese) [1, 5, 4]. The main celebration will take place on June 20 at the Penang International Convention and Exhibition Centre (PICCA). Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim will officiate the event [1, 5, 4].
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof also stressed the strategic role of independent, responsible, and ethical media in Malaysia’s stability, harmony, and progress [5]. He noted that the government recognizes the critical contribution of media institutions and works closely with media practitioners [5]. Fadillah praised journalists for their sacrifice during disasters and crises to provide factual and balanced information [5]. He stated in Chinese that amid a challenging and rapidly evolving media environment, journalists serve as an important bridge between the people and the government [5].
Fadillah warned that media today face challenges from misinformation, rumors, and sensationalism. He urged media practitioners to uphold fact-based and integrity-driven journalism [5].
The government's next scheduled event related to Hawana is the main National Journalists’ Day celebration on June 20 in Penang, where Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim will officially preside [1, 5, 4].
