Malaysia: 2 Women Journalists Inappropriately Touched by Minister's Bodyguard During By-Election
The Coalition For Women In Journalism condemns the harassment, calls for rigorous investigation and legal redress
Location: Malaysia, Johor Baru
Date: September 5, 2023
A Minister's bodyguard harasses two women journalists while they were covering events organized by the Home Ministry during the Pulai parliamentary by-election. The Coalition For Women In Journalism stands in solidarity with the women journalists who have been targeted with harassment. We strongly condemn these acts and call upon the relevant authorities to investigate the incidents comprehensively. Those responsible for the harassment must be held accountable for their actions.
Two women journalists from Johor media were harassed while covering events organized by the Home Ministry during the Pulai parliamentary by-election. A minister's bodyguard inappropriately touched a woman journalist on her hand while recording a press conference on her phone. Another journalist was impeded from conducting their work as the bodyguard allegedly pinched her back. In an audio recording, the journalist can be heard shouting, “Don't touch me.”
Media in Malaysia faces significant political pressure from the government to avoid discussing sensitive topics or voicing criticism towards politicians and government officials. The incident raises concerns about the treatment of media practitioners and the need to ensure their safety and freedom to carry out their duties without obstruction.
The Johor Media Club has taken a firm stance against harassment towards journalists and photographers by reminding politicians and their security personnel of their responsibilities during media interactions.
"The act of touching and pinching female journalists to the point of making them uncomfortable and threats are considered a form of sexual harassment," says Johor Media Club’s president, Mohd Fauzi Ishak.
The alleged harassment is being investigated by the Integrity and Standard Compliance Department (JIPS) to gather further information. Police have not confirmed or denied the validity of the claims but are conducting a thorough investigation.
The Coalition For Women In Journalism steadfastly stands behind the two women journalists, affirming our unwavering support. We strongly denounce the harassment they have endured and express our concerns regarding the treatment of media professionals.
It is crucial to ensure their safety and safeguard their freedom to fulfill their responsibilities without hindrance. We urge for a comprehensive investigation into this incident and demand appropriate disciplinary or legal measures to be taken.
The Coalition For Women In Journalism is a global organization of support for women journalists. The CFWIJ pioneered mentorship for mid-career women journalists across several countries around the world and is the first organization to focus on the status of free press for women journalists. We thoroughly document cases of any form of abuse against women in any part of the globe. Our system of individuals and organizations brings together the experience and mentorship necessary to help female career journalists navigate the industry. Our goal is to help develop a strong mechanism where women journalists can work safely and thrive.
If you have been harassed or abused in any way, and please report the incident by using the following form.