PKR today condemned the circulation of Malaysiakini reporter Kow Gah Chie’s picture on social media, prompting the portal to recall the reporter from covering the Sarawak polls for safety reasons.

This is following her report quoting BN’s Nangka incumbent Dr Annuar Rapaee, which Annuar said is misleading.

“I may not agree with some media reports, but principally I stress that a reporter has the right to report based on what they have witnessed.

“If anyone disagrees with the report, they should interact with the reporter and issue a denial - in fact, the recording of Annuar’s speech and his denial have both been published by Malaysiakini .

“This is a more democratic and civilised way, compared to through social media threats,” PKR’s communications director Fahmi Fadzil said in a statement.

He also urged Kow to lodge a police report against the circulation of her picture in a threatening manner, so those responsible will be brought to justice.

“I hope there will be no other incidents of reporters threatened during the Sarawak election. Let reporters report freely and the people can read and make their judgements on what is best for the state,” he said.

DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng also condemned the incident saying it was a threat to press freedom.

"This is a very sad development that journalists safety can't be guaranteed and protected," Lim said in press conference in Miri tonight.

Earlier, Malaysiakini editor-in-chief Steven Gan also condemned the police investigations against Kow for her report.

She is probed under Section 505(c) of the Penal Code which deals with making, publishing and circulating statements with intent to incite a community to commit an offence.

Kow had in her report quoted Annuar as saying that Muslims in Sarawak should not squander the opportunity to lead majority in the state.

“We are able to lead Sarawak because we are seen as just, not only to Muslims but to everyone in Sarawak.

“So ladies and gentlemen, you should defend this privilege and defend the current leadership so we can continue to lead Sarawak to greater heights.

“Don’t squander the opportunity just because we disagree on some things...we have to look at the ever brightening future and maintain the current leadership which has shown excellence since we achieved independence.

“I urge Muslims, especially those in Sibu, to be conscious that we are not the majority but are given the opportunity to lead Sarawak, so don’t squander this opportunity,” Annuar had said at an event attended by Muslims.

When approached later, Annuar denied he was using the race and religious card.

The audio recording of his speech can be heard below: