Fahmi Appreciates Suhaimi’s Contributions As Broadcasting DG

PUTRAJAYA, Feb 12 (Bernama) -- Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil has expressed his appreciation to Department of Broadcasting Malaysia director-general Datuk Suhaimi Sulaiman, who will end his service on Feb 22 after three years helming the department.

Speaking to reporters after the Communications Ministry’s monthly assembly here today, Fahmi said he was very proud of the contributions and reforms introduced by Suhaimi at Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) throughout that period.

“I take this opportunity to officially announce that Suhaimi will end his service on Feb 22.

“I am very proud of the work and creativity he has brought to the Department of Broadcasting Malaysia after about three years of service, including several achievements that, in my view, cannot be forgotten,” he said.

Fahmi said the challenges of today’s media landscape, which has seen changes in viewing patterns, require a shift in mindset within broadcasting organisations, but the challenging situation had been successfully navigated and managed by Suhaimi.

“We are facing the demographic reality today where audiences no longer watch television exclusively but consume content on their handphones. So it is indeed a very challenging situation, especially for the Department of Broadcasting.

“I see that Suhaimi has, to some extent, succeeded in shifting the mindset of the Department of Broadcasting Malaysia towards the changes currently taking place with AI (artificial intelligence), social media and various challenges, including competition from other media companies,” he said.

Fahmi said among the reforms introduced by Suhaimi was the establishment of the Digital and Interactive Media (MDI) unit, which brings together young talent in digital content production, as well as expanding RTM’s presence on social media platforms such as TikTok.

“In terms of news format, we have witnessed quite a drastic change, where there is a news bulletin that begins at 7.44 pm every day.

“For me, this fulfils the aspiration of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim that Bahasa Melayu be prioritised as the national language, while English is also an important language for us to master,” he said.

In addition, he said the micro-drama of less than one minute in duration, which will be aired on the RTM Klik platform, is also among Suhaimi’s contributions in adapting content to suit users’ fast-paced viewing habits.

“Suhaimi played a significant role in realising this initiative. So it is suitable for those waiting for the bus, on the LRT (Light Rail Transit), MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) and so on. We expect it to begin airing this year, specifically on the RTM Klik platform,” he said.

Fahmi thus wished Suhaimi success, who is understood to be returning to the business sector, and said the process to appoint a successor will be initiated by Communications Ministry secretary-general Datuk Abdul Halim Hamzah.

“For any announcement, we will await the ministry’s statement,” he said.

On Feb 10, Suhaimi confirmed that he would be leaving RTM at the end of this month, after leading it for three years since January 2023.

-- BERNAMA