Press statement issued by the Federation of the Sarawak Journalists Associations (FSJA) in conjunction with the World Press Freedom Day gathering held at the Old Court House, Kuching, on May 5, 2012.
We must commend the efforts of some journalists in organising this historic gathering, in conjunction with the World Press Freedom Day, and at the same time, to show our displeasure at the physical attacks on our fellow colleagues while covering the Bersih rally on April 28, 2012 in Kuala Lumpur.
It is important that we must show our solidarity when faced with a certain situation that affects the media fraternity, not only in Kuching, but also in other parts of Sarawak, in particular, and Malaysia, in general.
We call upon the authorities, non-governmental organisations, political parties and individuals to respect journalists who are discharging their professional duties.
We consider any attempt to prevent them from discharging their duties, by whatever means, as a show of disrespect.
We do not expect them to be beaten up nor verbally assaulted when they are on their assignments on the field.
We expect them to be respected, and if needs be, to be assisted by providing them with information that they seek for a full and comprehensive reports.
We abhor any attempt to prevent them or to issue threats when they are seeking information or possessing information that may not be favourable to the authorities or parties or individuals.
The journalists should be given some space in discharging their duties, in the interest of the public.
However, we are mindful of the national interest and public security when the journalists are discharging their professional responsibilities.
We are very much aware of avoiding writing on sensitive issues, which, if published, could spark racial or religious disharmony or strife.
FSJA wants journalists to respect the laws of the country. We cannot go beyond what are allowed by the laws.
If we do, we will find ourselves being sued for libel by the aggrieved parties or charged in court for false reporting.
