KUCHING: The media must play a role as guardians of social harmony by ensuring that the development of digital communication is used to foster understanding between cultures instead of widening divides and unrest in the community.

Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department (Corporate Affairs, Information and UKAS) Datuk Abdullah Saidol said that digital competence among media practitioners must be translated through ethical journalism practices that prioritise public truth and community harmony.

According to him, media practitioners need to move away from dependence on 'clickbait' algorithms that profit from collective anxiety and division in the community.

"Sustainability means seeing public truth and community harmony as limited and valuable natural resources, which must be defended through ethical journalism," he said.

He said this while speaking at the Opening Ceremony of the 10th International Conference on Communication and Media (i-COME'26) at the Borneo Cultures Museum on Friday.

He added that global challenges and local progress require a united national focus, while digital competence must be utilised to promote understanding between cultures.

According to him, society demands transparency, while the government needs stability, therefore cooperation between scholars, regulators, government and media practitioners is crucial in understanding the increasingly complex communication system.

In the meantime, Datuk Abdullah described the cultural diversity in Sarawak and Malaysia as one of the challenges that must be addressed carefully, especially in relation to the aspects of safety and sensitivity of society.

"So, UKAS, RTM and all media practitioners and those involved in public relations, we play that role.

"When we talk about sustainability in various aspects of our lives, this matter also needs to be given attention," he stressed. -UKASnews