KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA March 6, 2026 – Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories), Hannah Yeoh, today emphasized the vital partnership between the government and media in communicating policies and initiatives effectively to the public, particularly in the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, and Labuan.
Speaking at the Nur Ramadan programme with media representatives this afternoon, Yeoh expressed appreciation for journalists’ dedication, noting that many continue their fieldwork even during iftar (breaking of fast) with families. She described the session not merely as a formal event but as an opportunity to strengthen ties and foster open dialogue between the government and the media.
“In a mature democracy, the relationship between government and media isn’t always comfortable. Media questions policies and critiques actions, but I see that as healthy. A good government isn’t afraid of questions, and good media never stops asking,” Yeoh said.
She highlighted ongoing efforts in the Federal Territories to enhance urban community wellbeing but stressed that well-intentioned policies fall short if citizens do not understand or feel their impact. “Here, the media’s role is crucial – you’re not just reporting news; you’re helping people make sense of what’s happening around them,” she added.
Yeoh singled out BERNAMA for particular praise, commending its infographics for simplifying complex issues in an era dominated by short-form social media content. “I love Bernama’s infographics because they make it easy for people to grasp real issues. Everything is fast now – one-minute videos – and no one wants to read long reports. When media uses infographics to explain serious topics, the public understands better,” she noted.
Addressing challenges within government agencies, Yeoh acknowledged that officials at the Federal Territories Department and Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur (DBKL) are often deeply focused on problem-solving and service delivery, sometimes at the expense of public communication. She cited Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Seri Fadlun Mak Ujud as an example of someone who prefers to “just do the work” rather than speak extensively about it.
“But if we don’t tell our story, people won’t know what we’re doing,” Yeoh said. “We need to balance being good at our jobs and good at telling about them. That’s where we need help from the media – to play that role effectively.”
The minister also introduced the new Director-General of the Federal Territories Department, Datuk Muhammad Azmi Mohd Zain (formerly President of Perbadanan Putrajaya), and acknowledged other senior officials present, including DBKL representatives.
Yeoh pledged continued collaboration, stating that her office and the Federal Territories Department would assist media in accessing necessary information to ensure accurate reporting. She urged stronger ties moving forward to support the Kerajaan MADANI in delivering the best service to society.
Concluding her remarks, Yeoh extended Selamat Berpuasa (happy fasting) and Ramadan greetings to Muslim media practitioners, wishing them blessings during the holy month.
The event underscores the government’s recognition of media as a key partner in public engagement amid ongoing urban development and community-focused initiatives in the Federal Territories.
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