KUALA LUMPUR, July 4- The National Press Club Malaysia’s Journalist Welfare Fund today received a RM20,000 personal contribution from Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr S.Subramaniam.
The donation was announced by Subramaniam during ‘An Evening With The Minister of Health Datuk Seri S.Subramaniam’ at the National Press Club Clubhouse here last night.
“As a token of appreciation, I am giving a donation of RM20,000 for journalists who died in the cause of duty,” he said.
Although he has been a familiar face among members of the press, it was Subramaniam’s first visit to the National Press Club clubhouse.
He said journalists played an important role in shaping the destiny of this country because they disseminate information, connect the policy makers and the people and mould public opinion.
Subramaniam also expressed his hope for the traditional media and new media practitioners to be responsible in directing and structuring the nation.
Meanwhile, National Press Club president Mokhtar Hussain in his speech said the club had more than 500 active members who were journalists and media related professionals.
He said the Journalist Welfare Fund was set up in 2006 to look after the welfare of journalists and their dependants.
“From 2007 to until last month a total of 14 media professionals including journalists , former journalists, sub-editors and photographers have received contribution from the fund.
“The recipients include families of journalists who died during assignments or because of illness, journalists who lost their family members or those suffering from serious illness,” he said.
Mokhtar said the club was planning to organise more workshop and talks to increase awareness on responsibilities of journalists among its members and the public.
– BERNAMA
