PKR COMMANDOS ATTACKED PHOTOGRAPHER

(Photo : The Sun)

TUESDAY : The Malaysian Chinese Photojournalist Association (MCPA) is exploring the possibility of boycotting all future PKR events to protest the party's attitude towards press photographers.

In a statement today, MCPA said that the latest incident involving PKR security personnel manhandling a photographer showed that party leadership has failed to control their officers despite previous complaints being made.

The latest incident involving Guang Ming Daily Loh Hoay Hoon, 25, occurred on Sunday night. She was allegedly kicked, choked and hit on the head by a group of PKR security personnel.

According to her police report, Loh was allegedly assaulted by the group of men who tailed her to a carpark after a ceramah by PKR supreme leader Anwar Ibrahim in Seberang Jaya, Penang.

"After MCPA was informed of the incident, a complaint was immediately lodged with PKR's information bureau, but as of time of writing, there has been no response," said MCPA in the statement.

MCPA urged the police to be more vigilant in the future and immediately apprehend errant security personnel at the scene.

The association said that it has on several occasions raised their concerns of photographers to PKR and that the latter had promised to take steps to resolve the matter.

"MCPA deeply regrets that PKR's top leadership has failed to look into their shortcomings and allowed similar acts of violence to be perpetuated. This is highly unprofessional," said the statement.

Previously, MCPA submitted a written protest to PKR as the latter's volunteers had manhandled photographers during the anti-fuel price hike rally at the Kelana Jaya stadium.

A similar written complaint was submitted by Malaysiakini on the matter and endorsed by five videographers from various news organisations. There has been no response to the letter.

Meanwhile, Anwar's office issued a statement expressing regret over the incident.

The statement said that an investigation was being conducted on the matter, adding that the party held the media in high esteem and appreciated the coverage of their party events.

"We will try our best in avoiding such incidences in the future," added the statement.

In another statement, PKR information chief Tian Chua said that party president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail had personally contacted Loh on the phone to express her regret over the incident.

A delegation of PKR leaders from Penang has also visited Loh at Guang Ming Daily.

In a related development, Penang Gerakan, in condemning the attack on Loh, said that members of the media should be well protected.

The media should be given the freedom and right to carry out their duties and responsibilities, said the party in a statement.

"We call for a thorough police investigation into this matter so that the offenders will be punished and justice be given to the victim as soon as possible."

"We note that this not the first incident of physical violence towards the media personnel by PKR supporters.

"The same journalist, in her blog, has written regarding an incident in July 2008 where she was nearly shoved off the stage by an unruly PKR supporter," added the statement.

The party said that Anwar should extend an open, unreserved apology to the aggrieved party, her family and the media fraternity.

"He should also ensure peace and safety in all PKR gatherings and make doubly sure that incidents like this never happen again in future PKR gatherings."