Malaysia's National Journalists' Day Strengthens ASEAN Media Collaboration

Kuala Lumpur - The peak celebration of Malaysia’s National Journalists’ Day (Hawana) 2026, held from 19 to 21 June in Penang, Malaysia, is strengthening collaboration among journalists from Southeast Asian countries. This was evident from the enthusiasm of ASEAN journalist delegates who attended the Hawana dinner hosted by the Yang Di-Pertua Negeri of Penang, TYT Tun Ramli Ngah Talib. Around 1,000 media practitioners, including those from Indonesia, were present to mingle and strengthen their networks through the event. The delegates in attendance, including editors-in-chief and senior journalists from prominent ASEAN media outlets, shared a common understanding of the importance of conventional media’s role in prioritising facts and truth amidst the growth of social media. This was also emphasised by Malaysian Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil in his speech at the event, where he encouraged ASEAN media practitioners to strengthen cross-border cooperation, particularly in countering the proliferation of fake news on social media. According to Fahmi, amidst the development of social media, ASEAN media practitioners have a significant role in upholding journalism based on truth, integrity and responsibility. Meanwhile, senior Indonesian journalist and Chairman of the Indonesia-Malaysia Journalists’ Friendship Association (Iswami) Indonesia, Asro Kamal Rokan, appreciated the organisation of Hawana Malaysia as a manifestation of press freedom celebration in Malaysia. Asro Kamal Rokan is one of the Indonesian press figures who contributed ideas to the inception of the Hawana Malaysia celebration. According to Asro, Hawana was initially modelled on Indonesia’s National Press Day commemoration. Therefore, several Indonesian figures contributed ideas until the first Hawana Malaysia celebration was held in 2018. The peak of the Hawana Malaysia 2026 celebration will be attended directly by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Saturday. The Prime Minister’s presence will demonstrate the Malaysian government’s strong commitment to supporting responsible press freedom in Malaysia.