Alarmed by reports of rally participants bashing reporters at yesterday's May 1 people's assembly, Gerakan Media Marah (Geramm) today condemned the action, inviting civil society and NGOs to a dialogue instead.

It said that while aware that some parties held negative perceptions of the local media, this should not give rise to violence.

Two photographer and a videographer - attempting to cover the rally at Dataran Merdeka - were allegedly kicked and punched by a group of masked youths in black.

"Geramm is of the view that even though there are certain media outlets perceived to be propaganda tools for certain parties, any acts of violence against the media should not be tolerated.

"We urge  all parties who feels that the media in Malaysia is shackled to refrain from committing violence against the media because it is going against international standards and will not help  the cause," Radzi Razak, Geramm's spokesperson said in a press statement.

Probe incidents, organiser urged

Geramm said HCK Media (representing business weekly Focus Malaysia , news weekly The Heat and newsportal theantdaily.com ) photographer Sharil Amin Abdul Rahim was kicked and punched, while The Malaysian Reserve photographer Hafzi Mohamad was hit by a flag pole hurled by participants.

China's news agency Xin Hua videographer Mohd Zul Iskandar Hanafiah was also kicked several times.

"Geramm urges the organiser to investigate these incidents and provide an explanation as to how it could have happened," Radzi said, noting that the Malaysian Press Photographers Association and the victims have lodged police reports backed by documented proof on the "deeply regrettable" incident .

Radzi, who is also a Malaysiakini journalist, said that media workers should be given a chance to air their grievances.

"We also propose that more dialogues be held among media groups, civil society and NGOs to promote a better understanding of the current situation and challenges faced by the media in order to bring about democratic reforms in Malaysia."