Not obstructing journalists on duty, it's about PM's safety - Zahid

The action of two Australian reporters who defied police orders can be deemed as violating journalism ethics, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

Zahid, who is also Home Minister, said all journalists, whether they are locals or foreigners, must comply with the instructions issued by the authorities.

He said, the detention of the two Australians did not necessarily indicate that the Malaysian government is restricting the rights of journalists, but it is more of security reasons involving a premier of a country.

Zaid also stressed that that the core principal of journalism is guided by a set of ethics and that the behaviour of these foreign Press members is testimony that the safety of the Prime Minister was of the utmost importance.

“The action taken was to ensure journalism ethics are adhered to and safety should be made top priority by the authorities and the media should respect the decision to keep security intact,” he said after chairing a meeting by the Malaysia Crime Prevention Foundation here, Sunday.

Therefore, he hoped that the media can carry out their duties in accordance to journalism ethics and to understand the duties of the authorities in ensuring the leader's safety.

He said, the police would follow up with the two reporters linked to the incident.

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Last night, an Australia news channel confirmed that its reporter Linton Besser and camera operator Louis Eroglu were arrested while covering Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak during a walkabout at Kampung Haji Baki.