JULY 14 — The Institute of Journalists Malaysia (IoJ) denounces the violent attacks on three journalists by a mob at Low Yat Plaza on July 12.
Sin Chew Daily crime desk reporter, Chan Woei Loon, as well as photojournalists Calvin Foong Yi Kian from Kwong Wah Yit Poh and Sam Kar Haur from China Press, were beaten up in the line of work while covering the event.
According to Chan’s account, he and Sam were beaten up and hit with helmets by between 20 and 30 people.
The IoJ reiterates that it is the professional duty of every journalist to record the news as a neutral observer. The journalist’s formal affiliation with the Malay, Chinese, Tamil, English or any other press is irrelevant to the discharge of his or her professional duties.
No journalist should be attacked on the basis of race or creed. The ideals of journalism and the role of the journalist in the public interest must always transcend race and creed.
The IoJ calls on the journalism fraternity in Malaysia to stand together in solidarity with their fellow professionals and to join us in denouncing the attacks on Chan Woei Loon, Calvin Foong Yi Kian and Sam Kar Haur.
The IoJ calls on the public to recognise and to support the work of all journalists who safeguard the public interest.
We urge the authorities to prosecute the attackers of the three journalists, as well as to ensure that justice is done and more importantly, that the media is always protected in the course of their duties.
The Institute of Journalists Malaysia
July 14, 2015
Source for Chan’s account of the attack: https://www.facebook.com/lim.a.huiying?fref=nf
For more information, please contact Boo Su-Lyn (IoJ secretary) at 017-243 1103.
* This is the personal opinion of the organisation and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail Online.
