Media statement by MP for Kulai, Teo Nie Ching on 15 November 2021:
Idris Ahmad and Awang Hashim must issue a formal apology for their nasty behaviour towards a reporter
The hostile attitude and personal attack of PAS vice-president Idris Ahmad and PAS MP Awang Hashim towards Free Malaysia Today reporter Minderjeet Kaur in an interview was shameful, disrespectful, and unprofessional. Minderjeet was merely doing her job in that interview, and their reply reflects their inability to give a rational explanation for the gaming ban and instead resorted to bullying tactics to deflect the question.
They asked Minderjeet Kaur if she could tolerate her husband being a gambler, while the latter insisted that she ask the question in Bahasa Malaysia.
Kaki buli. Apa punya Menteri Agama daaaaa. pic.twitter.com/ViYeWj0NFE
— PakYob Kayuh (@YobKayuh) November 15, 2021
The act of bullying from a position of power is unbecoming of a minister and deputy minister, not only are they encouraging people under their influence, but the absence of consequences also indicates that this is an acceptable behaviour to emulate.
The harassment and bullying of reporters in Malaysia is not something new and this happens more often than not towards female reporters. One example was during the Press Conference after the Prasarana LRT accident, its then chairman Tajuddin berated the foreign correspondent from Phoenix TV China, asking the correspondent where she was from, and then saying “China, no wonderlah”.
I urge the Ministry of Communications and Multimedia to look into the issue of the protection of journalists as they should not be intimidated in the performance of their duties. Furthermore, their reporting should also not be subjected to harassment.
Lastly, Idris Ahmad and Awang Hashim must issue a formal apology to Minderjeet for their nasty behaviour.
