Malaysia: CFWIJ condemns the personal attacks against journalist Minderjeet Kaur

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November 17, 2021, Kuala Lumpur- Reporter for Free Malaysia Today Minderjeet Kaur faced an onslaught of vitriol by Deputy Minister of Human Resources Awang Hashim and PAS vice-president Idris Ahmad when she questioned them on the implications of a gambling ban in Kedah. The politicians, instead of responding to what were valid journalistic queries, responded with uncalled for condescension and personal attacks. Their actions rightfully received widespread condemnation. The Coalition For Women In Journalism extends solidarity to Minderjeet and demands an apology from the politicians.

In a video made public by the official Twitter account of Free Malaysia Today, the exchange between the two parties showed evidence of the complete lack of regard Ahmad and Hashim showed towards Minderjeet. Instead of answering her valid queries, the two stooped low enough to attack her family background and her language of communication. The reporter could be seen repeatedly requesting them to be polite in their response but to no avail.

The actions of the two politicians rightfully received condemnation and criticism from the Malaysian civil society. 

“Is the standard for our ministers that low these days that they can no longer understand or answer in other languages anymore? Since when is asking a question using a universal language an act of disrespect?” said Petaling Jaya MP Maria Chin Abdullah in a statement on Wednesday.

Independent media advocacy group, Gerakan Media Merdeka (Geramm), also echoed this sentiment. “The responses from the two PAS MPs clearly show disrespect for the work of journalists and women who may be seen as easily bullied,” stated the group. 

Meanwhile, Farah Marshita Abdul Patah, President of National Union of Journalists Malaysia, also came out in support of Minderjeet. “It should be noted that every journalist has the responsibility and right to ask about any issue. On the other hand, the party in question also reserves the right not to comment…There is no reason to attack a journalist personally just for not being prepared to respond,” she wrote on Facebook.

The Coalition For Women In Journalism condemns the behaviour of Idris Ahmad and Hashim Awang and demands an immediate apology. We stand in solidarity with Minderjeet Kaur. Too often, women reporters are viewed as easy targets for bullying and verbal harassment. This attitude cannot stand. It is not only in violation of the freedom of press but also indicative of a misogynistic culture and mindset. And both these issues threaten to erode civil liberties in a democratic set-up.