By Lian Cheng
KUCHING, Nov 12: DayakDaily journalist Nancy Nais who was manhandled by a ‘Pengawas’ (monitor) while covering a Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) election at Paramount Hotel in Sibu yesterday has decided to let bygones be bygones after Sarawak PKR information chief Vernon Kedit apologised to her this morning.
Upon being told by colleagues of Vernon’s apology on behalf of his party, the seasoned journalist accepted it.
“I was just doing my job, and I guess the ‘Pengawas’ was just doing his job, too. I am willing to let go of the whole matter and move on.
“I agree with Vernon, and I also want to call on all quarters to understand our job nature. In any situation, especially during heated political scenarios, let us all settle it through civility and diplomacy and not through getting physical and everyone ends up calling the police. This is Sarawak’s culture.
“As a Sarawakian myself, and I believe the ‘Pengawas’ is one too, the future of Sarawak in terms of politics will be quite tense. So, let us all bear in mind our good Sarawak culture in our quest for a better Sarawak,” said Nancy.
Vernon had apologised to Nancy on behalf of the party, emphasising that it was wrong for anyone to rough up reporters who were merely carrying out their duties.
He asserted that everybody must be treated with respect and dignity, and it was the responsibility of all political parties and all people to respect the freedom of the press.
“On behalf of the party, I apologise to Nancy. She’s a friend of mine, and I know her very well. I apologise to her that this incident occurred, and I would like to say that the party does not represent such things and people who did this need to apologise and need to come up with their own statement as to why they did what they did,” said Vernon.
He urged his colleagues in the party to continue respecting the freedom of the press and treat all journalists, irrespective of whichever organisation they are from, with decency, respect and integrity.
Nancy had lodged a police report on the incident at the Kuching District Police Headquarters at 9.08pm yesterday. — DayakDaily
