A senior official of a zakat collection agency is facing backlash after allegedly roughing up a female journalist during an event in Kuala Lumpur on Monday.
The incident happened at about 4pm following a press conference by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Zulkifli Hasan, who officiated the aid delivery programme.
The agency’s senior official, whose name is being withheld pending his response, was allegedly irked by a question posed by the reporter to Zulkifli.
Malaysiakini was made to understand that the question centred on a recent case in Sabah where a student had her headscarf cut by a teacher.
The incident had attracted criticisms from several media groups, which viewed it as a form of intimidation against press freedom.
‘An attempt to frighten’
The National Union of Journalists Malaysia (NUJM), in a statement yesterday, said such actions are “clearly inappropriate, unprofessional, and contrary to the principles of media freedom”.
“More worrying, NUJM has been informed that the prominent individual roughly snatched the journalist’s media card shortly after the minister left the press conference, in full view of other media practitioners.
“This act was not only intimidating but may also be interpreted as an attempt to frighten the journalist in the performance of official duties,” said NUJM secretary-general Teh Athira Yusof.
She added that the union regretted the absence of an appropriate apology by the official and that the union demanded an explanation from the organisation.
“In this regard, NUJM demands an explanation from the agency concerned to the journalist involved.
“NUJM also urges the government to take appropriate action to ensure that such incidents do not recur,” the union said.
‘Deep-seated misogyny’
In a separate statement, Gerakan Media Merdeka (Geramm) said the incident reflected arrogance and attacking a female journalist on duty had also exposed a “deep-seated misogyny”.
“We urge the perpetrator to issue a direct apology to the affected journalist, rather than doing so through intermediaries or to the media organisation.
“Although there is no specific law in Malaysia that protects journalists from interference or attempts to obstruct their reporting while on assignment, existing laws governing acts of assault or harassment remain applicable.
“Geramm remains resolute in its stance that regardless of differing views on any report or line of questioning, media workers must not be subjected to actions that compromise their safety, dignity, or freedom to carry out their duties,” the group said.
‘Very un-Madani-like’
The Crime Journalists’ Association (Cija), of which the journalist is also a member, urged the relevant ministry to investigate the official involved.
The association said in a statement that the official’s action was clearly an attempt to intimidate the press and his failure to apologise to the reporter reflected an arrogance “that does not align with the Madani government’s value of transparency”.
“Thus, Cija demands that the GLC leader issue a public apology to our member as soon as possible.
“The relevant ministry should also take note of this incident and investigate the action of this appointed official, which has clearly tainted the government’s image,” the group said.
Malaysiakini has contacted the zakat body and the senior official in question for comments.
Earlier today, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said he would contact the official to obtain the full picture following the allegations, the Malay Mail reported.
“And I would also advise the officer that reporters deserve to ask questions, any question; it’s not a problem. Those being questioned cannot be rude or harass the reporters.
“So, for anyone, even ministers or deputy ministers or any top management personnel of any companies, they need to adopt a more open attitude, especially if we want to ensure the freedom of the press,” Fahmi reportedly said. - Mkini
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