Malaysian Minister Gives Awards To Four Indonesian Journalists

Ambon, Maluku, Feb 9 (Antara) - The Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Minister Dato` Salleh Said Keruak handed over awards to four senior Indonesian journalists from the central board of Indonesian Journalists Association (PWI) here on Wednesday.

The minister gave the awards at a gathering with the Indonesian media editors-in-chief during the National Press Day (HPN) 2017, which falls on Feb 9.

The four journalists who received the awards were the (late) Tarman Azzam (former chairman of PWI advisor), Asro Kamal Rokan, (President of the Malaysia-Indonesia Journalist Brotherhood (ISWAMI), Saiful Hadi and Syam Heysi, who is also humanist.

On the occasion, Aat Surya Syafaat, News Director of Antara News Agency, represented Syam Heysi (to receive the award), who was absent due to illness.

The minister said that Malaysia and Indonesia always boast of their relationship from the same ancestor (Serumpun), but it is only part of the historical record of the archipelago.

Thus, as the Serumpun (of the same ancestor) nations, these two countries should improve relationship and interaction, so as to create a closer brotherhood, he pointed out.

"The important point is that we should make (relations) between Malaysian and Indonesian youths closer and understand their history and origins. If differences occur, this should be addressed as early as possible. That`s the principle of philosophy that we must uphold," he explained.

Keruak also expressed gratitude over the PWI`s invitation.

"I am very delighted (to have been invited) to attend the HPN event since 2009. This is a very good program not only to meet each other but also as an opportunity for us to strengthen ties," the minister added.