SIBU – Government transparency and the prompt dissemination of verified information are fundamental to maintaining public trust and cooperation during emergencies, a state deputy minister stated this week.
Datuk Dr. Annuar Rapaee, Sarawak’s Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development, emphasized that controlling the narrative with factual updates is crucial for effective crisis management.
He cautioned that the proliferation of unverified stories, whether true or false, can cause significant and often irreversible damage to public perception.
Dr. Annuar made these remarks on Monday while addressing attendees at a Media Appreciation Night hosted by the Sibu Journalists Association (SJA).
He further elaborated that honesty from leadership is the cornerstone of building the collective confidence required for a unified public response.
The Nangka State Assemblyman also acknowledged the vital function of the press in circulating authenticated news to the community, noting that journalistic inquiries often directly reflect grassroots concerns.
He advised that officials must exercise considerable caution in their public statements, as these declarations have a lasting presence and can produce long-term consequences.
“I prefer to withhold a response rather than provide an answer without knowing all the facts of an issue,” he stated, adding that inaccurate information can generate widespread misunderstanding and anxiety.
In a related development, Dr. Annuar presented a cheque for RM10,000 to underwrite the SJA’s annual programs.
He also announced the sponsorship of comprehensive health screenings for all association members, underscoring the importance of preventive medical checks for individuals aged 35 and over to enable the early detection of conditions like hypertension, high cholesterol, and liver or kidney dysfunction.
