Azlan's Death - A Huge Loss To Bernama Radio

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 15  (Bernama) -- The passing of Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) Radio head  Azlan Idris has been described as a great loss not only to the organisation but also to all Bernama Radio staff who served under his leadership.

Bernama Radio Broadcasting Services manager Mohd Shukhairman Mohd Zain said he had known the late Azlan since joining Bernama Radio in 2008, describing him as a firm leader who was always willing to listen to the views of his staff.

“He was deeply concerned about the quality of work and was something of a perfectionist, but at the same time, he genuinely cared about the welfare of his staff. He always provided space for ideas and opinions to be shared,” he said when met at the Usamah Bin Zaid Mosque in Wangsa Maju.

Mohd Shukhairman added that Azlan’s leadership strongly emphasised teamwork and that he ensured every instruction was communicated clearly and delivered with motivation.

“He was a very good boss. As long as instructions were carried out responsibly, he was always supportive and boosted staff morale,” he said, adding that his last conversation with Azlan was at about 6.30 pm yesterday.

“He jokingly asked whether I would continue working at Bernama Radio if he were no longer around. At the time, I did not think much of it, but today those words carry a deep impact,” he said.

Meanwhile, Azlan’s close friend, Letfee Ahmad, 69, who was also among the pioneers of Bernama Radio, described him as a firm yet positive individual who was skilled at motivating his subordinates in carrying out their responsibilities.

“He was highly committed to his work. When he wasn’t discussing work matters, he would usually be talking about sports, especially his favourite club, Liverpool.

“Whenever he took on a task, he made sure it was completed to the highest standard, ensuring that the content was thoroughly researched, complete and delivered with accurate and concise pronunciation,” he said.

Letfee said Azlan’s experience in managing sports news at Bernama Radio, coupled with his wide network among corporate leaders and media practitioners — including being among the early staff of TV3’s Malaysia Hari Ini (MHI) programme — made him a well-known and respected figure in the industry.

Bernama Radio journalist Wan Nadia Khairani Wan Chik, 44, said the deceased was adept at identifying the potential of his staff and placed full trust in them to carry out their duties.

A recipient of the 2024 MPI Petronas Gold Award in the Live category, Wan Nadia Khairani said Azlan was always willing to share his knowledge and was effective in motivating his team, often challenging them to further develop their potential.

“Before I won the award, I was not fully aware of my strengths until he provided constructive criticism on my live broadcasts to help me improve.

“When I was covering the Elmina air crash, he also praised me on the spot, which greatly boosted my morale and motivated me to perform better that day,” she said.

Azlan, 57, passed away at Kuala Lumpur Hospital early today. His remains will be taken to Masjid Usamah bin Zaid in Wangsa Maju for funeral rites, with the burial at the Raudatul Sakinah Cemetery, Taman Selasih, Gombak, at about 11 am today.

He is survived by a wife, Bernama TV Channel and Content manager Wan Syahrina Wan Abdul Rahman, and their four children.

-- BERNAMA