Speaking to FMT about the recent harassment of Malaysiakini journalist Kow Gah Chie on social media, Yayasan Media Hebat CEO Dzulkarnain Taib noted that the issue arose from an allegation that Kow misquoted a speech by incumbent Nangka assemblyman Annuar Rapaee of Barisan Nasional in one of her news reports.

He pointed out that there was no proper body to investigate such a case.

“The journalist is being defended by Malaysiakini, but this isn’t sufficient,” he said. “Annuar claims that he has been misquoted, but who can he refer to in order to prove this?

“Both parties are being misrepresented as there is no proper body for them to refer to. That’s why we are pushing for this media council to be set up.”

Dzulkarnain advised reporters covering the Sarawak election to exercise wisdom “during such a sensitive time”, especially when reporting on matters pertaining to race or religion.

He gave qualified support to the Institute of Journalists’ statement that reporters should be allowed to do their jobs, saying “sensitivities” had to be observed.

“Yes, we are all working towards getting the news out first and it is true that the truth must be reported, but this can be done in a more delicate and sensitive manner,” he said.

Noting that the general public perceived Malaysiakini as being pro-opposition, he said its journalists should be careful when working in a Barisan Nasional stronghold like Sarawak. The same care should be observed by journalists from media outlets seen as pro-government when operating in opposition strongholds, he added.