KUALA LUMPUR: Use proper channels to voice reservations or dissatisfactions over news reports, Malaysian Press Institute (MPI) chairman and chief executive officer Datuk Dr Chamil Wariya said.
He pointed out that every individual has the right of reply to points and arguments raised in media reports, but to threaten journalists responsible for those reports is wrong.
“Threats against journalists should not be happening as they are only carrying out their duties. Those affected by these reports do have a right of reply.
“They can call the media organisation or the journalist concerned to counter-argue what was reported about them. That is how it is done in a civilised society,” he told Bernama yesterday.
Chamil acknowledged the fact that people who are easily overcome by emotions can lead to such situations.
“In this troubled world, those who are highly strung and emotional are capable of resorting to drastic actions such as threats, even physical ones,” he said.
Recently, a death threat via e-mail was made against a journalist of the Malay daily, Berita Harian, over a report published in the newspaper last week.
Communications and Multimedia Minister Gobind Singh Deo, during a visit to the New Straits Times Press (NSTP) yesterday, said the ministry was ready to meet media agencies to establish a standard operating procedure to ensure the safety of the media workforce. – Bernama
