The Malaysian Bar strongly deplores Utusan Melayu (Malaysia) Berhad (Utusan)'s actions in suspending journalist Mohamed Hata Wahari from work and instituting a domestic inquiry over statements made by him in his capacity as President of the National Union of Journalists (NUJ).

Utusan has reportedly even ordered Hata not to leave the vicinity of his place of residence during the period of suspension.

Utusan's conduct infringes upon the vital principle of freedom of the press, which lies at the core of a truly open and democratic society, and which must be constantly nurtured, protected and rejuvenated.

Hata, a journalist employed by Utusan, has been accused of insulting Utusan's management and tarnishing Utusan's image through statements he issued to various news portals between  21 September  and 14 October 2010.

By seeking to discipline Hata for statements made in the performance of his duties as president of NUJ, Utusan is clearly attempting to intimidate Hata as well as interfere with the ongoing work of NUJ. This is nothing short of union-busting.

Rather than address head-on the criticisms against its editorial leadership, Utusan has instead embarked on a seeming vendetta against Hata, who is also President of the Confederation of ASEAN Journalists.

Utusan's actions are reminiscent of its dismissal of an earlier branch head of the NUJ, Amran Ahmad, also an Utusan employee, in September 2009.

In a free and democratic society, a proper response is one that uses the force of argument, and not the argument of force.

The Malaysian Bar finds it deeply disturbing that Utusan has failed to understand and appreciate NUJ's role in seeking to remind journalists of the responsibilities that come with their professional calling.

It is disappointing that a newspaper would take such a dim view of NUJ's efforts to uphold the best traditions of independent journalism.

The Malaysian Bar calls upon Utusan to immediately lift the suspension imposed on Hata and restore him to full employment, call off the domestic inquiry, and cease and desist from victimising him or any other journalist who acts in the interest of freedom of expression and freedom of the press.

 

Ragunath Kesavan is president of the Malaysian Bar.