KUALA LUMPUR: A journalist was attacked by unknown assailants on Tuesday (Nov 25).
In a post on X (formerly known as Twitter), reporter Haresh Deol, who is also the founder of the TwentyTwo13 media portal, said that he was assaulted by two individuals, with one recording the entire incident.
“I have just lodged a police report,” he wrote.
Brickfields OCPD Asst Comm Hoo Chang Hook, when contacted, confirmed that investigations are ongoing.
“I can confirm that the report was made at the Bangsar police pondok,” he said.
The attack on the reporter has been condemned by Gerakan Media Merdeka (Geramm).
“Geramm strongly condemns the assault on journalist and founder of TwentyTwo13, Haresh Deol, who was reportedly attacked by two individuals – one of whom was holding a phone – while he was carrying out his journalistic duties.
“Violent actions and attempts to intimidate journalists in their professional capacity are uncivilised and go against the principles of media freedom guaranteed in a democratic system.
“Physical attacks on journalists not only endanger the safety of the individual, but also undermine the public’s right to receive accurate information free from coercion,” it said.
It called for an immediate and transparent investigation into the matter.
“Geramm also calls on all parties, including political leaders and the general public, to respect the role of journalists as conveyors of information and not turn them into targets of threats or attacks,” it added.
The Sports Writers Association of Malaysia (SAM) also condemned the attack.
Its president, Ismadi Abdul Manap, urged a swift investigation into the assault.
"Assaulting any journalist is an extreme act that cannot be allowed. SAM does not want its members to work in fear following such an attack," he said in a statement on Tuesday.
Haresh had a discussion with several friends before going alone to his car.
