On April 3, journalist R. Malini from a Tamil daily Malaysian Nanban, was hurled vulgarities by the members from the ruling party MIC. Photographer P. Malayandi from Makkal Osai was allegedly pushed and punched by an MIC official, SA Vigneswaran, who is also the Parliamentary Secretary for the Youth and Sports Ministry. The journalists were covering the nominations for the Machap by-election.

While they were there, a scuffle broke out between the supporters of contesting parties, the ruling Barisan National coalition and the opponent Democratic Action Party (DAP). R. Malini said that when she tried to take pictures of those involved after the police controlled the fight, one MIC member verbally abused and threatened her not to take or publish any pictures.  

P. Malayandi, who also tried to photograph the aftermath of the scuffle, was stopped from entering the hall by Vigneswaran. The latter allegedly pushed and punched the photographer when he protested. P. Malayandi and R. Malini subsequently lodged a police report.  

Vigneswaran denied the allegations when contacted.

CIJ is concerned that as the two media practitioners eventually failed to take any picture, the public's right to know is not served. There is lopsided reporting whereby the positive sides of the by-election are widely reported but not the opposite.  

We call for a thorough and impartial investigation to be carried out and action be taken should it be proven that the duo were deliberately prevented from discharging their duties.

The Centre for Independent Journalism, Malaysia (CIJ) aspires for a society that is democratic, just and free where all people will enjoy free media and the freedom to express, seek, and impart information.

Ends

Issued by,
Centre for Independent Journalism

For more information please contact Wai Fong at 03 4023 0772