Geramm irked by hostile remarks reportedly aimed at journalist by PAS duo

PETALING JAYA: Media watchdog Gerakan Media Marah (Geramm) is upset with the hostile responses from two PAS leaders against a journalist on Sunday (Nov 14) regarding the banning of gambling premises in Kedah.

Geramm, in a statement on Monday (Nov 15), said that such actions from leaders were unnecessary as there was no reason to attack if they did not want to respond to questions from the journalist.

“It should be noted that every journalist has the responsibility and right to ask about any issue.

“On the other hand, the party in question also reserves the right not to comment.

“There is no reason to attack a journalist personally just for not being prepared to respond,” the statement said.

On Sunday (Nov 15), FMT reporter Minderjeet Kaur was reportedly "attacked" by PAS vice-president Idris Ahmad and Pendang MP Datuk Awang Hashim over questions on the ban on gaming premises in Kedah after the launch of Perikatan Nasional's manifesto for Melaka.

Idris, who is also Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs), reportedly asked the journalist if she could tolerate her husband being a gambler, when she asked him to comment on the ban.

Awang, who is also Deputy Human Resources Minister, meanwhile, had persistently asked the journalist to use Bahasa Malaysia.

“The responses given clearly show disrespect towards the career of a journalist as well as a woman who may be seen as easily bullied,” Geramm added in its statement.

On Sunday, Kedah Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor said the ban on gaming premises would be enforced immediately through all local authorities by not issuing new premises licences for gambling premises in the state.