KUALA LUMPUR: Senator Ras Adiba Mohd Radzi has been appointed the new chairman of the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama), the first woman to hold the post.
In a press conference at Parliament today, Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah said Ras Adiba will serve for three years, effective yesterday.
According to Saifuddin, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, gave his consent for the appointment.
"As a veteran in the broadcasting industry, I am confident that she has the necessary experience that will help us (Bernama) in delivering news and contemporary issues," he said.
Ras Adiba, who was also present, said she was optimistic in taking on her new role, saying that more human interest stories should be highlighted for public consumption.
"I will do my very best. As you know, I grew up in front of most of you, and I feel this is the time to give back all of the experience I have after 34 years working in the industry.
"I'm not just a newsreader, but I have been a director and TV producer in several places. I will cooperate with everyone and, God willing, come up with some vibrant ideas and work with the existing team to produce high-class news and stories.
"We have to make it fresher and more hip. I can't wait to meet the team. I know some people are sceptical about me, but for me, it's fine because I'm from the media industry.
"They can challenge me as much as they can. Because this is what I do best," said the 52-year-old.
Ras Adiba, who was appointed a senator in May this year, succeeds Suhaimi Sulaiman who resigned as Bernama chairman on Aug 6.
Ras Adiba is a paralympic athlete as well as president of OKU Sentral, a non-governmental organisation championing the rights of persons with disabilities.