MMM CONDEMN ATTACK, SAYS INTIMIDATION AGAINST JOURNALISTS WILL HAVE SERIOUS IMPLICATIONS

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 25 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Media Council (MMM) has expressed deep concern over any form of violence or intimidation against media practitioners following the incident today involving sports journalist and Deputy President of the National Press Club (NPC), Haresh Deol.

In a statement, MMM in condemning the attack, asserted that such actions, regardless of the motive, could have broader implications for media freedom and the ability of journalists to carry out their duties independently and ethically.

“The safety of media practitioners is fundamental to the existence of a free and accountable media ecosystem, and all parties are urged to respect journalists’ working space and avoid actions that could jeopardise their safety.

"Incidents that hinder journalistic work have implications for public interest, affecting the delivery of accurate and pressure-free information to the community,” the statement read.

MMM stated that it views the incident involving the veteran journalist seriously and believes that the authorities will conduct a fair and professional investigation.

“As the media industry’s self-regulatory body, MMM is committed to continuing to promote standards of safety, professionalism, and integrity in the media sector," according to MMM.

Earlier, Haresh, who is also the co-founder of the news portal TwentyTwo13, informed via a post on the X platform that he was attacked when heading to his car, while another individual recorded the incident using a mobile phone.

Meanwhile, Police are currently tracing three men believed to be involved in the incident of assaulting Haresh Deol, causing injuries to him in Bangsar today.

Brickfields District Police Chief ACP Hoo Chang Hook said the victim suffered injuries to his face, hands, and body after falling while trying to escape.

“The suspects have yet to be identified, and efforts to trace them are actively underway. The investigating officer will request an Order to Investigate (OTI) from the Deputy Public Prosecutor tomorrow to allow further investigation to continue,” he said in a statement today.

He stated that the incident occurred at Jalan Maarof near the Bangsar Village 3 parking lot when Haresh was walking along the sidewalk towards Jalan Telawi. He later lodged a police report at 4 pm.

Hoo said the case is being investigated under Section 323 of the Penal Code, and the public with information is requested to contact ASP Mohd Adnan Alias at 019-216 2272, the Brickfields District Police Hotline at 03-2297 9222, the Kuala Lumpur Contingent Police Hotline at 03-2115 9999, or any nearby police station.

-- BERNAMA