KUALA LUMPUR – Three journalists were allegedly attacked in the course of their work during a Perikatan Nasional (PN) event in Tanah Merah, Kelantan that was attended by the coalition’s senior leaders.
According to Gerakan Media Merdeka (Geramm), a male journalist was allegedly “slapped” on the stomach while a female journalist claimed she was “grabbed” at the neck while they were near the stage trying to take pictures of the launch of the event.
Both journalists said the alleged assaults were carried out by personal bodyguards or police officers from the Special Actions Unit.
Another journalist alleged that he had been aggressively pushed from getting near the stage.
The event saw the attendance of Bersatu president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and party leaders Datuk Mohd Radzi Md Jidin and Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed.
It is understood that members of the press were called to the main stage for a press conference shortly after the incidents had occurred.
Geramm said that it is the right of journalists to conduct their duties in a free and fair manner.
“All journalists are responsible to wear their official cards issued by the Malaysian Information Department and it is hoped that security details, in any event, would give the necessary space for them to conduct their duty, including taking photos and videos.”
Geramm had also reached out to a representative of one of the ministers who attended the event and it is understood that further action will be taken to identify the individual involved.
This is not the first incident this year that saw journalists being attacked while on duty.
In May, The Vibes’ journalists Qistina Nadia Dzulqarnain and Lancelot Theseira were threatened by a security guard at the Pudu Urban Transformation Centre as they attempted to report on overcrowding at the Immigration office there.
The security personnel later forcefully snatched a phone away from Qistina Nadia after realising they were being recorded. – The Vibes, July 3, 2022
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