KOTA KINABALU: Mariah Doksil has made history by being elected president of the Sabah Journalists Association (SJA) for the 2025–2026 term, becoming the first woman to lead the organisation since it was formalised in 1994.
Mariah, a journalist with The Borneo Post vows to uphold the core mission of SJA in protecting and advocating for the welfare, needs, and interests of its members particularly in relation to their roles and responsibilities across various fields of reporting.
“As the first female president of the association, I see this as a powerful message to all media practitioners that leadership is not defined by gender, but by teamwork, collaboration, and shared responsibilities.
“Women who balance both career and family can also lead effectively when leadership is approached collectively with a spirit of unity, mutual respect and camaraderie,” she said.
Mariah also highlighted the importance of providing opportunities for members to enhance their journalism skills through training, ensuring alignment with both national and international standards.
“I would like to encourage more reporters to join the association so we can nurture and develop future leaders and facilitators to carry forward the association’s initiatives and mission,” she added.
Mariah was elected unopposed during the committee election which was held during the association’s biennial general meeting at SJA’s office here today.
The newly elected committee comprises vice-president Ricardo Unto (Daily Express), secretary Siti Aisyah Narudin (Utusan Borneo), assistant secretary Mohd Nazllie Zainul (Daily Express), treasurer Angela Tan Giok Seh (Sin Chew Daily), assistant treasurer Nancy Lai (Borneo Post), and committee members Vivi Olviana Najurus (Utusan Borneo), Fardy Bungga (Nabalu News), Sandra Sokial (The Star), Jegathisan Sivanesan (Borneo Post), and Stephanie Lee (The Star).
Meanwhile, former SJA president Datuk Muguntan Vanar, who had helmed the association since 2017, was unanimously appointed as the association’s advisor.
