Congratulations to Petra Group for the launch of The Vibes.
With the unfolding of this new portal, you have given the phrase 'good vibes' a whole new dimension.
I say that not merely because of the name given to your portal - The Vibes - which certainly makes for a great soundbite - but more so because it is timely and comes as a much needed alternative source of news via the world of digital information.
We live in very trying times and I'm not just talking about Covid-19 though no doubt this pandemic has caused some major upheavals.
We live at a time where often it is hard to differentiate between real news and fake news.
It is a time where the news spreads so fast that by the time people realise that it's actually fake, the damage is already done.
There is also the issue of objectivity in news portals. Often – and I don't need to name names here – we find certain entities being very skewed in their reporting and coverage, leaning in favour of one party or side and biased against another.
If this is the idea of journalistic independence, then I don't believe it bodes well for the future of societal and political discourse.
So, when I learn that a new portal is coming up and that it professes to be non-partisan, middle of the road and steadfastly objective and to be run by professionals, as in seasoned journalists – then I say, yes, that's great! And I welcome it and would subscribe to it as an additional source of news, giving a different insight and perspective.
That's what I want and I believe that's what the people want – forward looking, progressive but yet critical and discerning in its reporting and commentaries. So kudos but I hold you to your professed non-partisanship.
I also want to congratulate Petra Group for its CSR initiatives. This Petra Kasih Program is indeed praiseworthy. Having been directly involved in these initiatives myself, I can really appreciate how much this micro financing scheme will benefit the rakyat, particularly the underprivileged.
Indeed this is a crucial effort towards greater socio-economic development for the rural areas. As you know, particularly because of Covid-19, the government has been focusing hard on mitigating its harsh repercussions with the implementation of various economic stimulus packages. Complementary initiatives on the part of the private sector – as in this CSR scheme - therefore, are indeed laudable.
So, once again, congratulations and wishing you every success in this new enterprise.
Datuk Seri Azmin Ali
Minister of International Trade and Industry
