PETALING JAYA: Condemning the assault on a journalist in Bangsar on Tuesday (Nov 25), the National Union of Journalists Malaysia (NUJM) has urged the police to conduct a thorough, transparent and impartial investigation into the case without fear or favour.
With the latest incident being the second recent case involving threats on journalists, the union stressed that such attacks were unacceptable in any profession, including journalism.
"We are deeply concerned over today’s incident and hope it does not become a dangerous trend against the country’s media industry, which is recognised for its transparency, fairness, and integrity," NUJM said in a statement.
The union also urged the authorities to uphold justice for all media practitioners and promptly take preventive measures to ensure journalists are able to carry out their duties safely and freely.
"All parties should respect the duties and role of journalists who act not only as the ‘eyes and ears’ of the public but also as agents of national development.
"Any form of intimidation, harassment or assault is unacceptable. If such threats take place, it amounts to an attack on the public's right to know the truth," the union added.
NUJM said it would monitor developments in the investigation of the case and hoped that those responsible for the assault face action in accordance with the law.
Earlier, journalist Haresh Deol had taken to social media to say that he was attacked by two individuals.
Meanwhile, Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil said he hopes investigations into the case is promptly carried out.
"I was attending a programme in Kota Kinabalu when I was informed about the incident.
"I have contacted Haresh's brother to get more information about the incident that occurred. I was also informed that Haresh has filed a police report. He is currently undergoing a clinical examination for the medical report," he said in a post on Facebook.
Fahmi also stressed that the safety of media practitioners, especially when they are on duty, must always be ensured.
