Pemaju - the acronym for Penang Chinese Journalists and Photographers Association has strongly lashed out at pro-Umno Malay protestors for "attacking and threatening" journalists yesterday.

NONE Two reporters who became victims of the protestors' aggression have since lodged police reports over the incident.

Pemaju has urged the police to investigate the case thoroughly and take appropriate action against the culprits.

The association expressed its dissatisfaction over the police failure to fulfill its duty to protect the public when reporters were set upon by Umno Youth and Perkasa protestors during a rally against Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng.

"During the demonstration led by Komtar Merchants Association vice-chief Mohamed Ghani Abdul Jiman, at least three journalists were attacked or threatened by the protestors along the way," said Pemaju in a statement today.

"The protesters carried out the attacks without bothering about the presence of the police. So can Malaysian citizens be confident of being safe in this country?" the association asked.

Setting up hurdles for reporters

Pemaju said reporters often needed to be very close to the ground to cover events accurately and report them to the people.

Therefore, the organisation, added, reporters need all the support when covering the news, with the least disruption from all sectors.

NONE "However, when a reporter tried to snap photos of the event, a protestor wearing an Umno Youth uniform told the former ‘you want to swim below'?

"This clearly meant that he wanted to throw the reporter into the sea," claimed the organisation.

What happened after that was even worse, lamented Pemaju, adding that several protestors circled the reporter, poking him with a flag.

The reporter had also been allegedly punched on the back by another protestor.

Pemaju said this matter was serious as it had resulted in threats against reporters covering the event.

NONE Meanwhile, the association also condemned the police for not preventing the protestors from disrupting traffic along the Penang bridge.

"How come the police did not take any action when they were already aware of the demonstration?" asked Pemaju.

Pemaju also questioned the police force's double standard when taking action against Bersih 2.0 activists but allowing the violent demonstration in front of Komtar.

The association said it respected the public's right to assembly as it is enshrined in the country's constitution, however, it rejected strongly gatherings which are violent in nature.