Karpal: Have laws to protect media

<i>from Free Malaysia Today</i>

DAP chairman Karpal Singh has urged the government to provide legal protection for journalists on duty. He said the government should table the necessary legislation in Parliament at its next sitting from March 12, failing which he would move a private member's bill.

Two reporters of Kwong Wah Yit Poh, the Penang daily newspaper, were injured when members of Perkasa and Umno turned unruly against those holding a protest rally in George Town against the Lynas rare earth plant in Pahang.

The two are Lee Hong Chun, 25, and Adam Chew, 29.

Karpal said: "The country should strive towards having a first world freedom of the press. For that to be achieved journalists must be given every protection while they are on duty covering events, and exposing themselves to violence."

The veteran DAP leader suggested that journalists be deemed as public servants while on duty as provided by the Penal Code, which provides a maximum penalty of two years' jail or fine or both for hindering a public servant from carrying out his duty.

Filed under: Journalism, Politics