‘Veteran journalists still assets’
Media seniors eager to share knowledge and experience with younger generation

Journalists should continue to do their own fact-finding to produce a good and solid story, says a retired journalist.

Former The Star journalist Rizal Abdullah said it was important to rely on investigative journalism and not mere social media posts to write a story.

“If we are only reporting based on what is posted on Facebook and other social media platforms, the ‘shine’ of the story is already gone.

“In the past, sports journalists like me were allowed to enter the field and ask the coach and players questions so that we could get the ‘juice’ of the story.

“This should still be practised today,” he said when contacted.

He is also of the opinion that retired media personnel can still contribute in numerous ways.

“We still have the ability to write articles and share our experience with the younger generation,” said Rizal, who has four children.

As such, he said, retired journalists should be included in invitations to events, be it government or private organisations.

The 77-year-old said he was willing to share his experience with young journalists keen to know the writing style of the past and his work on sports articles.

He joined The Star in 1976 and became a full-timer in 1980.

“I still actively write, although I slowed down when the Covid-19 pandemic hit in March 2020 because there were no sports events to cover.

“During my time as a reporter, The Star gave me the opportunity to cover international sporting events such as the SEA Games and even the Olympic Games,” he added.

Asked about Johor education and information committee chairman Aznan Tamin and Johor Media Club’s recent visit to his home in Bukit Indah in conjunction with Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Rizal said he was surprised and deeply touched by the gesture.

“It really has brightened up my day. I am thankful that the Johor Media Club still appreciates its former members,” he said.

Meanwhile, Aznan said media veterans should be appreciated for their contributions during their time as reporters.

“They have played a very important role in helping to share the government’s aspirations and policies with the people, as well as being the voice of those in need.

“The media also play a role in helping elected leaders and officials share important and reliable information – be it government initiatives or new programmes.

“Their service should not be forgotten, as they served the nation too,” Aznan said.

Aznan added that he had presented donations for Hari Raya Aidilfitri to other former media personnel as well.

Retired photographer Zain Ahmed, 60, who worked at another national daily, was happy to see familiar faces as well as meet the newly-appointed state executive councillor.

“It is good to see everyone, especially those who are still reporting.

“I hope such visits continue in the future,” he said, adding that he worked as a photographer for 35 years.

Echoing the same was former Utusan Malaysia reporter Maznah Mohd Arshad, 64, who said that she had been spending time with her family after retiring five years ago.

“This is a very rare occasion. It made me reminisce about my time as a reporter.

“I hope to participate in this programme again,” she said, adding that she started out as a journalist in 1984.
Media Veterans,The Star,NST,Utusan,Johor Media Club
Journalists should continue to do their own fact-finding to produce a good and solid story, says a retired journalist.