Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil asserts journalists must be given space to work, provided they identify themselves and comply with regulations.
PUTRAJAYA: Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil has stated that journalists must be given the space to carry out their duties as long as they comply with regulations and do not violate established laws.
He expressed regret over a recent incident where three journalists were allegedly instructed by authorities to delete photos while covering an assignment in Cheras, Kuala Lumpur.
Fahmi emphasised that the incident should not have occurred if the journalists had properly identified themselves as working members of the media.
“I regret what has happened, and journalists must be given full space to carry out their duties,” he said at a press conference following a Cabinet meeting.
The minister added that he had not been fully briefed on the specifics but would contact the Royal Malaysia Police to obtain clarification on the matter.
Gerakan Media Merdeka and the National Union of Journalists Malaysia had earlier expressed renewed concern over incidents involving police officers and journalists.
It was reported that three journalists from a Chinese-language daily, covering a follow-up report on a riot at a karaoke centre, were instructed to delete all photos and videos taken at the scene.
Regarding a separate case involving alleged harassment of Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki, Fahmi said he is leaving the investigation entirely to the authorities.
“I have not received any report, and we leave it to the authorities to look into the matter, with appropriate action to be taken if any violations are found,” said Fahmi, who is also the MADANI Government spokesperson.
Kuala Lumpur police chief Datuk Fadil Marsus said three individuals were arrested for allegedly disrupting a public event attended by the MACC chief commissioner.
Media reports stated the calm atmosphere at a forum at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur turned chaotic when a group staged a protest during a keynote address.
In the incident, two men were seen holding up placards bearing messages critical of Azam Baki, leading to the arrests for allegedly disrupting the event.