Violence against journos no laughing matter, Gobind tells BN MPs

PARLIAMENT | Communications and Multimedia Minister Gobind Singh Deo ticked off BN lawmakers in the Dewan Rakyat today for talking and laughing when he was addressing violence against journalists.

The minister was delivering his winding-up speech when he warned against physically harassing or threatening members of the press, whom he said are just doing their jobs.

Gobind is believed to be referring to an incident last Friday which saw two Malaysiakini interns harassed by Umno leaders and supporters while covering a talk by former premier Najib Abdul Razak in Kuala Lumpur.

As he was delivering his speech, chatter and laughter were heard from the opposition bench, though it is unclear what the BN lawmakers were saying.

"Maybe we can laugh inside this House, but if you were there that day, as the journalists who were attacked were, I think you might feel differently.

"So let us not laugh about it as if it is a trivial matter, when it is something we should be taking seriously," he said.

Violence unacceptable

Gobind stressed that violence against journalists is unacceptable, pointing out that there are other ways to express disagreement over news reports.

"We can contact them and explain to them, or if necessary we can take action against them in court, or lodge a police report.

"If we resort to violence and threats, that is not something which should be encouraged."

Earlier, the minister had said he is open to discussing the need for specific legislation to protect journalists, though noting that he believes existing laws are sufficient.

He added that media practitioners are ready to meet him to present a proposal on the formation of a media council.

This media council, he said, can hopefully be formed by next month. - Mkini