KUALA LUMPUR: Members of the media industry came together on Friday (March 29) to show their appreciation and respect for the late Datuk Ahmad Rejal Arbee Mohamed Isa Arbee for his lifelong commitment and contributions to the field of journalism.

Ahmad Rejal, 83, who was named the recipient of the National Journalism Laureate for 2014, passed away early Friday.

Ahmad Rejal was the former editor-in-chief of the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) and former group editor of Berita Harian.

Bernama chairman and SMG advisor Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai expressed sadness at Ahmad Rejal's demise, noting that he had the privilege and honour of knowing him personally as well as working with him.

"As someone older than me, I looked up to him," he said, adding that Ahmad Rejal's contributions to journalism, especially to Bernama, will be remembered and recognised.

Former Bernama chairman and editor-in-chief Datuk Seri Azman Ujang said Ahmad Rejal had left behind immense footprints in Malaysian journalism and the media.

"His professionalism should be a lasting legacy for current and future media practitioners, especially for reporters and journalists at large," he said.