Zahid (seated, centre) speaking at the press conference. Also with him are Khalid (left) and MCPF vice chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye (second right).
KUCHING: The arrest of two Australian journalists should not be seen as an obstruction to the freedom of the press, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
According to him, the two journalists should have “followed the mold of Malaysia’s journalism ethics” and respected the regulations of the country’s journalism ethics in terms of safety.
“The government will not stop any journalists in the country from giving coverage regarding any events, incidents or interviews with public figures. But in this case, we are looking at a situation where a VVIP should be given safety precautions.
“This is why the enforcement had to place priority in ensuring the safety of the VVIP during the incident,” he told a press conference after chairing the Malaysia Crime Prevention Foundation (MCPF) Exco Meeting at a leading hotel here today (March 13).
Zahid was asked to comment on the arrests of the two journalists from Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) for obstructing police on duty during Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak’s visit at Kota Sentosa on Saturday.
Nevertheless, he hoped that the incident would not be regarded as an obstruction for foreign journalists to carry out their duties in the country.
“I believe they are doing their best for their (Australian) media, but at the same time, they should respect the safety aspects that have been enforced by our authorities,” he said, adding that Malaysian journalists who are reporting outside of the country must also abide by the journalism ethics and safety factor of the country they are in.
Asked on what would be the next course of action, Zahid, who is also Home Minister, said he will leave this to the police to take the next appropriate action.
Meanwhile, Inspector General of Police Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Khalid Abu Bakar said the two journalists were arrested for defying the orders of the police.
“They have crossed the line by entering the safety control zone of the Prime Minister and because of that, we have arrested them,” he remarked, pointing out that at the time, it was not an interview session nor a press conference held by Najib.
He advised journalists, be it from local or foreign media, not to breach protocol when approaching VVIPS in view of their safety.
“Normally, the Prime Minister will give space for interviews. Don’t defy protocol.
“Our main duty is to protect the Prime Minister and we do not want any unforeseen circumstance to happen to him,” he reiterated.
The two journalists he said have since been released on bail and they will be here until today.
“We will discuss with the Attorney General’s Chambers’ officers on the next course of action to be taken against them.”