THE national news agency’s editor-in-chief Datuk Mokhtar Hussain, who doubled-up as its acting Chief Executive Officer for more than six months recently proved his mettle and was affirmed to the position.
Bernama’s recently minted chairperson, Senator Ras Adiba Radzi announced Wednesday, following her meeting with the Board of Governors.
Ras Adiba expressed her confidence in Mokhtar’s ability to bring about a transformation to enable Bernama to shine not only in the ASEAN region but also in the world.
The Senator said among the challenges in driving Bernama forward was drawing the younger generation to all Bernama platforms, besides diversifying the social media content in disseminating information to society.
Coincidentally, when Mokhtar was announced to be acting CEO last April, then Board Chairman Suhaimi Sulaiman said the national news agency’s candidate for the CEOs office was to be an individual who would ensure the Bernama brand remain relevant and credible.
Aged 59, Mokhtar served with the news agency for 35 years and has been described to be an individual who carries a vast experience in the industry having served in various capacities.
His foray into the field of journalism began as a news executive in 1985, serving as Sabah bureau chief and news & current affairs manager (audio-visual service).
He holds a Master’s degree in Business Law; a Bachelor’s degree in Jurisprudence and Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication.
Mokhtar expressed gratitude for the trust and confidence placed in him by the Bernama board as well as the Ministry of Communications and Multimedia in discharging his responsibilities.
“I am grateful for the huge responsibility of leading Bernama. This is an honour for all Bernama staff. I will work closely with the new chairman and all staff to take the national news agency to greater heights,” Bernama quoted him.
