Fahmi Says Journalists Must Be Allowed to Work Freely Within Legal Boundaries
PUTRAJAYA, April 9 — Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil has stressed that journalists should be given the necessary space to carry out their duties, provided they comply with laws and established regulations.
He made the remarks in response to an incident where three journalists were reportedly instructed by authorities to delete photos while covering an assignment in Cheras, Kuala Lumpur.
Fahmi said the situation should not have occurred if the journalists had properly identified themselves as members of the media while at the scene.
“I regret what happened. Journalists must be allowed to perform their duties, as long as they follow the rules and clearly identify themselves as working media personnel,” he said at a post-Cabinet press conference.
He added that he has yet to receive a full report on the incident but will seek clarification from the Polis Diraja Malaysia.
The issue has drawn concern from media advocacy groups such as Gerakan Media Merdeka and the National Union of Journalists Malaysia, which warned that such incidents could undermine press freedom.
The journalists involved were from a Chinese-language daily and were covering a follow-up report on a riot at a karaoke outlet in Cheras.
They were allegedly asked to delete all photos and videos taken during the assignment.
In a separate matter, Fahmi also addressed the disruption involving the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission chief commissioner, saying investigations have been fully left to the authorities.
He noted that he had not received any official report and had only learned about the incident through media coverage.
“We leave it entirely to the authorities. If there are violations, appropriate action should be taken,” he said.
Kuala Lumpur police chief Fadil Marsus confirmed that three individuals were arrested in connection with a protest that disrupted a public event attended by the MACC chief.
The incident occurred during an academic forum at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur, where several individuals displayed protest signs while a speech was underway.
Although the disruption was brief, it sparked wider discussions on the balance between press freedom, public order and enforcement authority.
-wilayah.com.my
