Bernama's joint 55th anniversary-Aidilfitri do a joyous affair

KUALA LUMPUR, May 20 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian National News Agency’s (Bernama) 55th anniversary-cum-Aidilfitri celebration was held in a joyous atmosphere as over 1,000 guests joined in the festivities at the Wisma Bernama compound here today.

The event was graced by Deputy Minister of Communications and Multimedia Datuk Zahidi Zainul Abidin who cut a cake and pulut kuning as a symbolic gesture to mark the anniversary.

Also present were Bernama chairman Senator Datuk Ras Adiba Radzi, Editor-in-Chief Khairdzir Md Yunus, members of Bernama Board of Governors and Supervisory Council, strategic partners, clients and retirees.

The guests were served with a variety of dishes such as lemang, rendang, Nasi Arab and satay and they also took the opportunity to mingle with Bernama staff.

Bank Rakyat chief marketing and communications officer Nizam Sani said Bernama had always been the financial institution’s top choice to collaborate in disseminating information about its activities to the public.

“Every year, Bank Rakyat will conduct activities with Bernama, be it big or small... Bernama is our first source (of information) and insya-Allah we will remain with Bernama,” he said when met at the event.

Tourism Malaysia Domestic and Event Division senior director Mirza Mohd Yusof expressed his appreciation for the cooperation and coverage given to the agency as one of Bernama's clients.

“This has helped Tourism Malaysia in getting news coverage. Thank you Bernama for being able to assist the country’s tourism industry,” he said.

Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS) external relations director Dr Zokhri Idris congratulated Bernama on its 55th anniversary, adding that the news agency played a vital role in disseminating knowledge, news and information to the people.

Meanwhile, former Bernama chairman Datuk Seri Azman Ujang said he was proud of Bernama’s achievements and hoped that it could maintain its identity as a relevant and authentic news provider amidst the increasing number of online news portals.

Former Bernama editor-in-chief Abdul Rahman Ahmad, on the other hand, described Bernama journalists and staff as mature in news reporting, which enabled the national news agency to have a better direction.

“I’m so proud and happy that Bernama has turned 55. I’m confident that with the new line-up of staff, Bernama can move forward, be faster and remain relevant. Thank you to all who have served and are still serving with Bernama,” he said.

In the meantime, former Bernama Marketing Division head SN Rajan said: “I am very impressed with the progress that Bernama has made. From a humble and simple beginning, now it has television and other online services.”

Bernama was established under an Act of Parliament on April 6, 1967, and was officially launched on Aug 30, 1967, in conjunction with the 10th anniversary of Malaysia’s Independence. It became fully operational on May 20, 1968.

-- BERNAMA