PETALING JAYA: The press must not be obstructed when carrying out their duties, says the Malaysian Bar.

       Its president Karen Cheah Yee Lynn said reporters and journalists play a pivotal role in society and must be allowed to do their jobs without fear of being intimidated, assaulted and harassed.

       "Press freedom is a hallmark of a mature democracy.

       "The news carried by them shed light on the workings of our public institutions," she said in a statement on Wednesday (May 18).

       She added that a responsible and free press informs and educates the public on public affairs by sparking intellectual debate and discussion, which then facilitates good governance.

       "Press freedom is interconnected with the right and freedom of speech and expression under Article 10 of our Federal Constitution.

       "Malaysia's placing in the 2021 World Press Freedom Index compiled by Reporters Without Borders plummeted from 101 to 119," she said, adding that this downgrade was a reminder to all Malaysians that freedom of the press is endangered, and far more must be done to ameliorate the situation.

       She said in the incident at Pudu UTC, as seen in the video that has since gone viral, the behaviour of the security guard served no purpose apart from intimidating the members of the press and the public.

       "The press should be permitted to do their job, and open dialogue should not be suppressed.

       "After the incident, the police decided that there was no criminal element in the harassment of the reporters, merely an hour after one of the reporters gave her statement, only to reclassify and investigate the case under section 160 of the Penal Code several days later," she said, adding that the Malaysian Bar believes that an external oversight body that would hold the police accountable for its behaviour, such as an Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC) could diminish such doubtful and hasty decisions being made as seen in this incident, and the media can lodge its complaints directly to the IPCMC, if their reports are mishandled or there is inaction by the police.

       She added that the Malaysian Bar firmly supports press freedom and freedom of expression must be upheld when legitimately exercised in good faith.

       "Such rights cannot be wantonly sacrificed without proper reasoning.

       "As long as proper safety measures are employed, the press must be permitted to do their job and ensure that the public is well informed about matters that concern them," she said.