KUALA LUMPUR: There needs to be restraint and respect for media rights, says the Malaysian Media Council (MMM), following the alleged harassment of Johor media personnel.
MMM said it received a formal complaint from one of its members from the Johor Media Club.
“This complaint concerns an alleged incident of harassment, obstruction and disruption involving media personnel during the coverage of the Pakatan Harapan convention in Johor Baru on Sunday.
“According to the complaint, media practitioners were allegedly obstructed while carrying out their professional duties, with the situation reportedly escalating into pushing incidents and verbal altercations.
“The complaint said several female media practitioners were among those affected. The Johor Media Club has since lodged a police report over the matter as well,” the council said yesterday.
The council said it took note of the Pakatan Harapan Convention Secretariat issuing a statement, saying that it was taking the allegations seriously and initiating an internal investigation.
“They have expressed their commitment to cooperate with the authorities. We welcome this response and urge that the investigation be conducted thoroughly, transparently and expeditiously.
“We also note of the statement by Johor state education and information committee chairman Aznan Tamin, who affirmed that provocation and aggressive conduct towards the media is not part of Johor’s values and culture,” it said.
The council stated unequivocally that media practitioners performing their duties lawfully and professionally must be accorded the respect, space and safety to do so.
It called on event organisers across all political parties, public institutions and private entities to ensure proper access, adequate coordination and safe working conditions are provided to credentialed media personnel at all events, in line with the principles of media freedom, transparency and public accountability.
