PETALING JAYA: Two separate media associations have expressed concern following restrictions imposed on media practitioners during a police event earlier on Thursday (July 16).
The Selangor Photographers and Journalists Association (Wajar) and the Crime Journalists Association (CiJA), in a joint statement, alleged that media photographers faced restrictions on photo tracking during an event officiated by Deputy Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay at the Selangor police headquarters, and that they were to rely on official images.
No press conferences were also allowed after the event.
"Officers on the ground cited 'direct instructions from the Deputy IGP' as the reason for the restrictions, a claim that requires clarification," read the statement.
The associations alleged that some officers from the police corporate communications unit had previously displayed conduct that hindered media personnel from carrying out their duties.
Both also stressed that such actions undermined press freedom and weakened the strong and long relationship enjoyed between the police and the media. They also called onto Bukit Aman and state police to clarify if the restrictions imposed had indeed been from the Deputy IGP himself.
"Police have long been a strategic partner of the media in informing the public. This relationship must continue to be built on mutual respect, transparency and professionalism, rather than unnecessary restrictions on legitimate journalistic work," read the statement.
