Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim presented the HAWANA 2026 Special Award posthumously to former Bernama Radio chief Azlan Idris on June 20 at a ceremony held at the PICCA@Arena Butterworth Convention Centre in Penang, recognising the late broadcaster's significant impact on Malaysia's media landscape during a career spanning multiple networks and decades of service.

The award was received by Azlan's widow, Wan Syahrina Wan Abdul Rahman, at the National Journalists' Day celebration, which drew prominent figures including Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, and Bernama chairman Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai. The gathering underscored the respect Azlan commanded across Malaysia's political and media establishments, with his contributions to journalism recognised at the highest levels of government.

Azlan passed away on January 15 at the age of 57, leaving behind a legacy shaped by his pioneering work in broadcast journalism. Before his tenure at Bernama Radio, he accumulated extensive experience across Malaysia's major television networks, holding positions at TV3, NTV7, and Channel 9, where he developed expertise in news operations and content delivery that would later benefit the national news agency.

His most enduring professional achievement came through his foundational role in establishing and developing Bernama Radio after its launch in 2007. As the station's chief, Azlan navigated the challenges of building a credible news radio service during a transformative period in Malaysian broadcasting, when digital technology and changing audience preferences were reshaping how citizens consumed information. His leadership during these formative years established standards that continue to guide the station's operations.

Beyond his direct broadcasting responsibilities, Azlan demonstrated commitment to the broader journalism community by taking on administrative roles that extended his influence across the industry. He served as chairman of the main celebration committee for HAWANA beginning with the 2022 event held in Melaka, a position he retained through subsequent years. During this tenure, he organised four major National Journalists' Day celebrations, demonstrating his capacity for coordinating large-scale events while managing the demands of his primary role at Bernama Radio.

The HAWANA 2026 Special Award represents formal recognition of the multifaceted contributions Azlan made to Malaysian journalism during his lifetime. The honour acknowledges not only his professional achievements in broadcasting but also his service to the journalism fraternity through his work on HAWANA celebrations. Such awards carry particular significance in Malaysia's media industry, where they serve as benchmarks for professional excellence and dedication to journalistic values.

Azlan's career trajectory reflects broader changes in Malaysian broadcasting and journalism. His experience across private television networks before joining Bernama Radio positioned him well to understand both commercial and public service broadcasting models. This perspective informed his approach to developing Bernama Radio into a serious news medium capable of competing with established networks while maintaining the national news agency's institutional credibility.

The posthumous recognition carries additional resonance for Malaysian journalists and media organisations, serving as a reminder of the human cost of professional commitment. Azlan's death at 57 while still active in the industry underscores the demanding nature of broadcast journalism and the dedication required to sustain a career spanning multiple decades and evolving technological landscapes. His colleagues in Malaysian media would have witnessed firsthand the energy and focus he brought to his work across multiple platforms.

Bernama CEO Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin's presence at the ceremony, alongside other senior media representatives, reflected the national news agency's recognition of Azlan's foundational contributions to its radio operations. The gathering at the Butterworth venue demonstrated that recognition of media professionals' achievements extends across Malaysia's geographic regions and institutional hierarchies, with Penang hosting a national celebration that honours contributions of significance to the entire country's journalism ecosystem.

For Malaysia's journalism community, Azlan Idris's posthumous HAWANA award exemplifies how professional legacy persists beyond an individual's lifetime. His work in building Bernama Radio, establishing broadcast standards, and fostering HAWANA celebrations as an industry tradition will continue influencing Malaysian journalism for years to come. The award ceremony served both as tribute to a departed colleague and as affirmation that excellence in journalism receives recognition even when circumstances prevent direct acknowledgment during a professional lifetime.