Najib presents award to late veteran journalist Zainon Ahmad

KUALA LUMPUR: Though it has been over a year since his passing, late veteran journalist Zainon Ahmad (pix) is still remembered for his great contributions to journalism.
Zainon, who was fondly known as "Pak Non", was presented with the National Press Club-Ambank Media Legend award and the National Press Club-TM Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2014 National Press Club (NPC) Awards Nite today.
It was a fitting reward for a man who dedicated his life to the field.
Zainom was theSun's consultant and political editor when he passed away at 70 due to liver cancer in March last year.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak presented the prestigious award which was received on Zainon's behalf by his eldest daughter, Zalinda Zainon, who was present at the event.
"On behalf of my family I would like to thank NPC, and his peers for this honour. It would have been better if he had received this himself," Zalinda said upon receiving the awards.
Also presenting at the awards night was Zainon's wife, Hasnah Abdullah, 67, who expressed her gratitude about him receiving the awards.
Zainon held a Bachelor's degree in History and a Master's in International Relations from the University of Malaya.
He served as a teacher for three years before becoming a journalist 36 years ago and was formerly group associate editor of The New Straits Times.
He became editor-in-chief of theSun in 2002.
He had also won the Media Personality Award in 2010.
Zainon had been more than just a senior editor or consultant for theSun family. He was a father, and sometimes a grandfatherly, figure to most of the staff at theSun.
His trademark laughter would tickle almost anyone hearing him even from afar.
He was a source of inspiration to many with his passion for journalism, and his dedication to the paper was undying even at 70.