THE Star Media Group (SMG) plays an important role as the fourth estate in delivering trusted and reliable news, says Communications and Multimedia Minister Tan Sri Annuar Musa.

       He says the media company has achieved much since its inception in 1971 as an English newspaper based in Penang.

       Annuar also says that as a print publication, The Star had played its part and was synonymous with trusted and reliable news.

       “The media is the important fourth estate as it should be in any democratic country.

       “I applaud the Star Media Group for bringing eye-opening stories on its front pages and then following up on these articles to ensure that action is taken by the relevant authorities.”

       He said this during his keynote address at SMG’s 50th anniversary celebration in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday.

       “This is a media company that has promoted national aspirations for the past five decades,” he says, and urges SMG to continue to uphold the gold standard of journalism.

       “We look forward to continuing shaping the nation, together, as one Keluarga Malaysia,” he says.

       Annuar also paid tribute to media personnel in SMG for disseminating information about projects and programmes by the government to the people.

       “I would like to express my utmost appreciation and gratitude to all reporters, editors, photographers, videographers and all those involved in news-making, whose contributions were even more evident during this time of Covid-19.

       “You are our unsung frontliners for you have been on the ground, pushing yourselves to ensure accountability and doing your part to debunk fake information,” says the minister.

       Also present at the golden jubilee celebration were Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong, MCA secretary-general Datuk Chong Sin Woon, SMG chairman Tan Sri Chor Chee Heung, SMG chief executive officer Alex Yeow, SMG chief content officer Esther Ng and SMG adviser Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai.