HAWANA  Special Award Recognition Of Rozaid's Legacy - Anwar

KUALA LUMPUR, June 14 (Bernama) – The HAWANA 2025 Special Award accorded to the late Rozaid Abdul Rahman is a heartfelt tribute to his service, dedication, and legacy in the field of local journalism,  said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

The Prime Minister described the former Director of Media and Strategic Communications at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) as principled, responsible and a true champion of press freedom.

“The nation’s journalism fraternity continues to remember the exemplary figure of the late Rozaid Abdul Rahman.

“To me, he was more than a journalist, he was a true friend, a sharp thinker and a genuine fighter for media freedom grounded in principles and accountability,” Anwar said in a Facebook post.

He expressed hope that the late Rozaid’s spirit and values would continue to inspire young media practitioners to uphold truth, honour ethics and strengthen democracy.

At the HAWANA 2025 highlight celebration held at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL) here today, Anwar presented the HAWANA 2025 Special Award to Rozaid’s son, Roz Ariffin, witnessed by Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil and over 1,000 local and international media practitioners.

Also present were Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) Chairman Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai, Bernama Chief Executive Officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin, and Bernama Editor-in-Chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj, who is also the Project Director of HAWANA 2025.

Rozaid, who died on Aug 18, 2024 from a heart attack, is remembered as a highly influential figure in Malaysian journalism, with over four decades of experience in the media industry.

He was appointed Director of Media and Strategic Communications at the PMO on May 23, 2023, where he played a key role in overseeing government communications and media strategies.

-- BERNAMA