PETALING JAYA: The National Union of Journalists Peninsular Malaysia (NUJM) has condemned the actions of an official from a government-linked company who reportedly intimidated a reporter during an event recently.
The NUJM viewed the matter with concern as the individual with a high-ranking position had confronted the female journalist for posing a question that was unrelated to the event, even though it was answered by the minister during the press conference.
“The actions of the official were clearly unwarranted, unprofessional and contrary to the principles of press freedom.
“What is even more alarming, NUJM understands that the official had roughly snatched the journalist's media card, in full view of other media practitioners.
"This act is not only intimidatory in nature but can also be interpreted as an attempt to threaten a journalist in the discharge of her official duties," the spokeperson said in a statement Tuesday (Jan 20).
To date, NUJM has been informed that no formal apology or explanation has been presented by the individual concerned to the journalist.
It was understood that only the agency staff who saw the incident came forward to apologise to the reporter while the agency had allegedly contacted the top management of the media organisation involved.
NUJM also emphasised that any form of intimidation, threat or abuse of power against journalists in the field is completely unacceptable.
“Journalists carry out their duties based on professional responsibility and editorial instructions, not to please any interested party.
“The role of the media as a monitor of power and a source of information for the people is the pillar of the democratic system. Any unethical action by any government official not only violates media freedom, but also tarnishes the image of the Civil Government which has always expressed its commitment to openness, transparency and respect for the media as the 'third power' of democracy,” it said.
NUJM also demanded an explanation from the agency concerned towards the journalist as well as urging the government to take appropriate action to ensure that such incidents do not recur.
“We will not compromise on any attempt to pressure, threaten or prevent journalists from carrying out their duties freely, safely and ethically,” it added.
