Bodyguard assaults journalists at PN launching event
SHAH ALAM - Three journalists were allegedly assaulted by a security personnel during the launch of the Kelantan state Perikatan Nasional (PN), in Tanah Merah, Kelantan, today.
According to a statement by media advocacy group Gerakan Media Merdeka (Geramm), a male reporter was purportedly slapped in the stomach while another female journalist was believed to have been gripped at the neck.
The alleged incident occurred while the two of them were standing near the main stage where PN chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and two Bersatu senior leaders, ministers Datuk Dr Mohd Radzi Jidin and Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed were at.
Both journalists claimed that they were assaulted by the bodyguard or the Special Actions Unit personnel who tried to prevent them from standing near the stairs of the stage to take photos of the launch gimmick.
It was understood that another journalist was also pushed roughly so that he could not go near the stage.
However, it was not certain whether these were done by the same individual.
After the incident, an officer to one of the PN leaders called media personnel to the stage for a press conference.
Geramm said it had contacted the officials involved and it is understood that further action would be taken to identify the individuals who allegedly assaulted the journalists.
The media advocacy group also condemned such actions against journalists who were carrying our their duties.
“We (Geramm) would like to emphasise that any form of violence against journalists, including physically is wrong and unacceptable.
“Journalists’ rights to carry out their duty freely and fairly must be protected by all parties, including by the law,” it said in a statement tonight.
It said journalists are responsible to display their respective official media tag issued by the Malaysian Department of Information while on duty and hoped that the security team in any event gives media personnel space to carry out their duty, including taking photos and videos.
