NUJ condemns attack on NST photographer

The National Union of Journalists Malaysia (NUJ) strongly condemns the attack made on New Straits Times (NST) photographer Mohd Aizuddin Akmal which took place at the Nirvana Memorial Centre, Sungai Besi on Tuesday morning.

Its president Chin Sung Chew said, the union -- with its 1500 members -- does not tolerate any kind of uncivilised violence especially when journalists are conducting their work out on the field.

“We urged our members to take caution and be more alert when they are out on the field. Our jobs have become increasingly dangerous,” Chin said in a statement.

NUJ has urged the authorities to conduct proper investigation into the incident as soon as possible.

“NUJ Malaysia clearly stress that nobody should take justice into their hands regardless of the matter at hand,” he said.

The union will also provide legal assistance for Aizuddin should it be necessary.

On Tuesday, a family member of the MH17 victims Paul Goes, wife Subashni Jretnam and daughter Kaela Maya Jay Goes, suddenly attacked photographers and cameramen covering the ceremony where the bodies were being carried out of the hearse at Nirvana Memorial Centre.

The man had tried to punch several media personnel covering the event and hit Aizuddin, who suffered injuries on his face and nose.

Aizuddin lodged a police report at the Sungai Besi police station after receiving treatment from a nearby clinic.