KUCHING: Government public relations (PR) officers need to be more proactive and agile in managing communication issues and crises, including providing strategic views and recommendations to their respective leaders and agencies.

Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Corporate Affairs, Information and UKAS) Datuk Abdullah Saidol said the role of PR officers was crucial as they were not only responsible for managing relations with the media and the public, but also needed to provide views and recommendations to leaders when dealing with a crisis.

“You need to be proactive. Sometimes, even when your boss does not ask, put forward your views and suggest ways to manage the situation, and make sure media statements and everything else are reviewed,” he said.

He said this when delivering his speech at the closing ceremony of UKAS Making Connections 2026: ‘Strategic Crisis Communication & Media Management Advisory for Government Leaders’ workshop here on Friday.

Datuk Abdullah added that the need had become increasingly important in dealing with the challenges posed by social media, which required PR officers to act swiftly, anticipate developments in an issue and remain vigilant.

Meanwhile, he said that when managing a crisis, PR officers also needed to strike a careful balance between presenting facts and addressing humanitarian considerations and public sensitivities to ensure that the information conveyed did not cause unnecessary concern or misunderstanding.

Also present at the ceremony were Deputy Sarawak Secretary (Operation) Datu Hii Chang Kee, UKAS Director Awang Putrayusrie Awang Redzuan, as well as UKAS Deputy Directors Mohamed Faizal Shah Ali and Joachim Paggang Jabong. -UKASnews

Prepared by: Nur Nabilla
Photos: Shahril Haqim
Translator: Uilson Ng