MPI Proposes Establishment Of Utusan Melayu Journalism Academic Chair

SUBANG JAYA, June 28 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Press Institute (MPI) has proposed the establishment of the Utusan Melayu Journalism Academic Chair at local universities to strengthen research and understanding of the nation’s journalistic history, particularly the pivotal role played by the country’s oldest newspaper.

MPI chief executive officer Ainol Amriz Ismail said the academic chair is not only intended to document Utusan Melayu’s legacy but also an effort to incorporate its research findings into journalism curricula at institutions of higher learning.

“Utusan Melayu is part of the nation’s history, not just journalism history, as it documented key moments and milestones in the country’s journey.

“That’s why academics and students need to preserve this documentation at the university level,” he told reporters after the Kenangan Utusan Melayu Forum in Subang Parade today.

The forum, held in conjunction with the 86th anniversary of Utusan Melayu and National Journalists Day (HAWANA), was officiated by veteran journalist Tan Sri Johan Jaafar.

Ainol Amriz said MPI encourages journalists to actively write about their experiences, as well as the struggles, economic history, and language issues once championed by Utusan Melayu in the e-journal platform that it recently launched.

Meanwhile, Johan pointed out that Utusan Melayu has earned its place in history, surviving from the 1930s well into the 21st century.

“…Utusan Melayu has nearly 80 years of history. It represents not just the history of journalism but also the history of the nation, its people, and the many figures who shaped the media landscape.

“That was the strength of Utusan Melayu. It succeeded in its role as a chronicler of history, capturing key issues and events that shaped Malaysia’s nation-building journey from the pre-war period to post-independence,” he added.

-- BERNAMA