PERTAMA Strengthens Leadership For 2026-2028, Continues Momentum In Empowering Women Journalists

KUALA LUMPUR,  April 5 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Women Journalists Association (PERTAMA) has reinforced its leadership line-up for the 2026–2028 term following its 54th Annual General Meeting (AGM) held today.

The meeting, held from 11 am to 1.30 pm, saw the continuation and strengthening of the association’s leadership structure through elections and the filling of key positions.

Berita Harian Senior News Editor Datuk Sariha Mohd Ali retained her position as president, while Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) Chief Sub-Editor (English Subs Desk) Nor Hasliza Abdullah was elected as deputy president after previously serving as secretary.

News Officer at Bernama's Strategic Planning Division, Wan Nor Azura Mior Abdul Aziz, was elected as secretary, with Berita Harian Assistant Editor Hafizah Iszahanid as assistant secretary.

The treasurer post is held by Bernama Putrajaya Bureau Chief Nurul Hanis Izmir, with Executive Editor of the Economic News Service M. Saraswathi as assistant treasurer.

Also present at the event were PERTAMA Advisors Datuk Jamelah A. Bakar and Datin Rohana Mustaffa, as well as Bernama Chief Executive Officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin.

Six committee members were elected. They are Nasriah Darus, Minarni Mat Saad, Norhafzan Jaafar, Mahani Ishak, Rafe’aton Md Ali and Farhanah Azmi, while Rosemarie Khoo Mohd Sani and Adlina Datuk Abdul Wahab were elected as Auditors.

Meanwhile, Sariha, in her speech, described the past year as highly active and fulfilling, with numerous programmes successfully organised to strengthen bonds among members and enhance the role of women journalists in the media landscape.

“Among our key achievements was the Mount Kinabalu climbing programme in September 2025, which set a record as the largest group of female journalists to summit the mountain. It reflects the physical and mental resilience of our members,” she said.

She also highlighted a two-day one-night glamping programme held in Putrajaya in July 2025, which combined leisure with knowledge-sharing, including stress management sessions conducted by officers from the National Welfare Foundation under the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development.

At the international level, PERTAMA expanded its engagement through a visit to Padang, Indonesia, where members met with the Indonesian Women Journalists Association to explore collaboration and exchange ideas.

Sariha added that PERTAMA also successfully organised its 53rd AGM, a Hari Raya celebration, and actively participated in the 2025 National Journalists’ Day (HAWANA) celebration.

“Most recently, we held our 55th Anniversary Celebration, attended by Minister of Plantations and Commodities Datuk  Seri Noraini Ahmad, where we also honoured more than 10 veteran members aged over 70,” she said.

Following the AGM today, PERTAMA also hosted its Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration from 2 pm to 4 pm, which was attended by nearly 60 members in a warm and festive atmosphere.

Founded in 1971 by the late Azah Aziz, also known as Sharifah Azah Syed Mohammad Alsagoff, PERTAMA is the country’s oldest association for women in the media.

The association continues to champion the welfare of its members, including assisting those who are ill or undergoing treatment, as well as the families of deceased members.

-- BERNAMA