Human Resources Ministry Willing To Help Journalists' Skills

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 10 (Bernama) -- The Human Resources Ministry is prepared to cooperate with media organisations to create a special programme to raise the skills of journalists in Malaysia. Its minister Dr S. Subramaniam said under the ministry's skills development system, many programmes had been created and "we can focus on steps to enable journalists to participate in such programmes". "Journalists, especially the new ones, need be given support to improve their skills and acquire invaluable experience as the field requires journalists who are competent in various aspects." He said this when attending a Deepavali celebration organised by the Editorial Department of the Malaysian National News Agency, Bernama, at Wisma Bernama, here, Wednesday. Also present was Bernama editor-in-chief Yong Soo Heong. "Journalists also need to master three types of skills, namely, understanding what is told to them, making interpretations and reporting accurately. "These skills are important to ensure that no mistakes are made in reporting, besides enhancing experience and building critical thinking to produce high-quality journalists," he said. On Bernama, Dr Subramaniam said it had played its role well in improving the lives of the people, including the Indian community in this country. "This effort can be stepped up by reporting on programmes that can further improve people's lives, including the socio-cultural aspects," he said. The minister also said that it was important for national leaders to have good relations with the mass media so that government actions from all aspects could be reported to the people clearly and accurately. -- BERNAMA