KUCHING, Feb 22: The Federation of Sarawak Journalists Association (FSJA) strongly condemns all violence against journalists as the latter have the right to report news truthfully.
This follows the recent assault of a reporter from a local Chinese daily at the scene of a fatal accident near a construction site in Ulu Bintawa over the weekend.
“The media is an essential instrument which contributes to the awareness and protection of human rights through its reporting, pushing relevant parties to respond and prevent occurrences of transgressions.
“Journalists and media personnel are often first on the scene, at times putting their own safety and security on the line.
“For as long as there are the public who have an unconditional need to know, the media will go to the ends of the world to get the reader the news. That is what makes news, and is our right and responsibility to the public,” remarked FSJA president Jacqueline David in a statement in response to the incident.
It was reported Kuching district police chief ACP Awang Din Awang Gani said the incident took place around 2.50pm on February 20 where the journalist who went to cover the accident was approached by three men who demanded that he delete photos that he had taken and threatened him.
“An argument ensued which saw one of the men punching the victim on his face,” said Awang Din who added that the reporter was warned not to publish any news on the accident which involved a lorry and a motorcyclist.
A police report was subsequently lodged by the reporter and the case is currently being investigated under Section 323 of the Penal Code.
As of time of writing, no arrests have been made in relation to the matter, Awang Din revealed.
Press freedom in Malaysia is guaranteed in Article 10 Clause (1) of the Federal Constitution, which states that “Every citizen has the right to freedom of speech and expression”, but that right is “subject to Clauses (2), (3) and (4)”. The right is given only to citizens, and it is not absolute but subject to certain well-defined restrictions, including the security of the federation, public order, morality, protecting the privileges of Parliament or State Assembly, contempt, defamation, incitement to any offence and sedition.
Additionally, an outline from the Malaysian Press Institute Code of Ethics 1989 states that:
1. The main task of a journalist is to report the truth and respect the right of the public to get the right information;
2. In performing this duty, he appreciates the freedom to collect and publish news honestly and has the right to make fair comments and criticism;
3. Journalists should use appropriate means to obtain news, photos/movies and documents;
4. Any published information found to be incorrect must be corrected;
5. Journalists must respect the confidentiality of news sources;
6. Journalists must be polite in carrying out their duties and avoid plagiarism and incitement, baseless accusations and corruption in any form;
7. Journalists should avoid news releases of articles that are racist, extreme and contrary to the ethics of Malaysia’s plural society;
8. Journalists should understand the laws and regulations of the country that are directly related to their profession. — DayakDaily
