With reference to the Sunday Star report on Feb 12: "Hew says sorry for creating controversy", the NUJ is disappointed with DAP election publicity chief Hew Kuan Yau for making a sweeping statement that journalists are prostitutes.

We are equally appalled by the stand taken by DAP disciplinary

committee chairman Tan Kok Wai for giving tacit support in saying that Hew was merely stating a fact.

To start with, Hew's statement has tarnished the image of journalists

working in the print, electronic on on-line media.

 

This is unfair as he has casted aspersions on journalists, who serve the public interest.

Hew should have backed the statement with a specific case naming the person, his organisation and what was the ethical breach.

Hew should have complained to the organisation so that action could have been taken, irrespective of whether the journalist is an executive, a bargainable employee (most of whom are NUJ members), contract employee or stringer.

We demand the DAP leadership take action against Hew and Tan as even the truth must be supported with evidence.

Otherwise it is just a baseless and unfounded allegation aimed at tarnishing the image of a group and profession.

 

 

V Anbalagan is the general secretary of the National Union of Journalists.