THE Malaysian Bar refers to the recent reports of a security guard in Pudu Urban Transformation Centre (UTC) who harassed two reporters from media outlet The Vibes.
According to reports, the reporters were subjected to verbal intimidation and obstructed from doing their job while they tried to take photographs and speak to individuals queueing at UTC.
Reporters and journalists serve a pivotal role in our society, and they must be allowed to do their jobs without fear of being intimidated, assaulted and harassed. Press freedom is a hallmark of a mature democracy – the news carried by them shed light on the workings of our public institutions.
A responsible and free press informs us about public affairs and educates us through sparking intellectual debate and discussion, which then facilitates good governance. Press freedom is interconnected with the right and freedom of speech and expression under Article 10 of our federal constitution.
Earlier this year, Malaysia’s placing in the 2021 World Press Freedom Index compiled by Reporters Without Borders had plummeted from 101 to 119.
This downgrade is a reminder to all Malaysians that freedom of the press is endangered, and far more must be done to ameliorate the situation.
In the incident at UTC Pudu, as seen in the video that has since gone viral, the behaviour of a security guard was shown serving no purpose apart from intimidating the members of the press and public.
The press should be permitted to do their job, and open dialogue should not be suppressed.
After the incident, police had decided that there was no criminal element in the harassment of the reporters, merely an hour after one of the reporters had given her statement, only to reclassify and investigate the case under Section 160 of the Penal Code several days later.
The Malaysian Bar believes an external oversight body that would hold police accountable for its behaviour, such as the Independent Police Complaints of Misconduct Commission (IPCMC), had it been already established prior to this, could diminish such doubtful hasty decisions being made as seen in this incident, and the media can lodge its complaints directly to the IPCMC, if their reports are mishandled or there is inaction by police.
The Malaysian Bar firmly supports the notion that press freedom and freedom of expression must be upheld when legitimately exercised in good faith.
Such rights cannot be wantonly sacrificed without proper reasoning. As long as proper safety measures are employed, the press must be permitted to do their job and ensure that the public is well-informed about matters that concern them. – The Vibes, May 18, 2022
Karen Cheah Yee Lynn is president of the Malaysian Bar
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