The National Journalists' Day (HAWANA) 2026 Special Award has been conferred posthumously on Azlan Idris, the former chief of Bernama Radio, in a ceremony held at the PICCA@Arena Butterworth Convention Centre. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim presented the honour to Azlan's widow, Wan Syahrina Wan Abdul Rahman, at the main celebration held on June 20, acknowledging the late journalist's substantial contributions to Malaysia's media landscape during his career.
Azlan passed away on January 15 at the age of 57, leaving behind a legacy spanning multiple broadcasting platforms and a decade-long association with Bernama Radio. His death marked the loss of a dedicated media professional who had navigated the evolving broadcast sector through various technological and structural changes. The recognition from the highest office underscores the government's appreciation for those who have served the journalism profession with distinction and commitment.
Throughout his career, Azlan held significant positions at several major Malaysian broadcasters, including TV3, NTV7, and Channel 9, demonstrating his versatility across different media formats and business models. His extensive experience in commercial and public-interest broadcasting equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of Malaysia's media ecosystem and the challenges faced by journalists and producers in delivering quality content to audiences. This breadth of experience made him a valuable figure in the industry, capable of bridging different broadcasting traditions and approaches.
When Bernama Radio launched in 2007, Azlan became instrumental in establishing and developing the platform as a significant voice for news and current affairs programming. Over the subsequent years, he played a pivotal role in shaping the station's editorial direction, content strategy, and operational framework. His tenure at Bernama Radio demonstrated his ability to build institutional capacity and establish professional standards within a dynamic and competitive media environment.
Beyond his daily work in broadcasting, Azlan contributed substantially to the journalism profession through his involvement in HAWANA, the annual celebration recognising the importance of journalism in Malaysia's development. He served as chairman of the main celebration committee, a responsibility he undertook from the 2022 event held in Melaka onwards. His stewardship of multiple HAWANA celebrations reflected his commitment to honouring fellow journalists and maintaining the visibility of the profession within Malaysian society.
The ceremony brought together prominent figures from government and media organisations, reflecting the significance accorded to Azlan's contributions. Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil attended alongside Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, signalling the cross-sectoral recognition of his work. Malaysian National News Agency chairman Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai and Bernama chief executive officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin, who also chairs the HAWANA 2026 organising committee, witnessed the presentation, underscoring the respect held within the organisation where Azlan had spent much of his later career.
The HAWANA 2026 Special Award represents more than a ceremonial gesture; it acknowledges the role that individual journalists and media professionals play in maintaining standards and fostering institutional excellence within the news sector. Posthumous awards carry particular weight in honouring careers that may not have received full recognition during the recipient's lifetime, allowing families and colleagues to see public acknowledgment of contributions that often occur behind the scenes.
For Malaysian journalism, Azlan's career exemplifies the importance of experienced professionals who can navigate transitions between different media technologies and business models. From his early work in commercial television to his involvement in a news-focused radio platform, he adapted to changing industry conditions while maintaining professional integrity. His work at Bernama Radio, in particular, positioned him at the intersection of state-backed news operations and independent journalism, a delicate balance that requires both technical competence and editorial judgment.
The recognition extended to Azlan also reflects evolving attitudes within Malaysia's media landscape towards celebrating journalistic achievement and institutional contributions. HAWANA itself serves as an annual reminder of the profession's importance to democratic discourse and public information. By honouring Azlan through a special award, the government and media sector reinforce the value placed on long-term professional commitment and service to the journalism profession.
For aspiring journalists and media professionals in Malaysia and across Southeast Asia, Azlan's career path offers instructive lessons about career resilience and professional growth within a complex media environment. His movement across different broadcasting platforms, combined with his institutional contributions to Bernama Radio and HAWANA, demonstrates the value of diverse experience and ongoing professional engagement beyond immediate news production. Such multifaceted careers become increasingly important as media organisations seek leaders who understand both contemporary digital platforms and traditional broadcast journalism.
The presentation to Wan Syahrina Wan Abdul Rahman provides his family with formal recognition of his professional standing and contributions to Malaysian journalism. Such acknowledgment can offer consolation to families of public figures whose work often demands significant personal sacrifice and time commitment. It also ensures that Azlan's contributions to broadcast journalism and journalistic institution-building are documented as part of Malaysia's media history for future reference and study.
