Malaysia: Woman Journalist Sexually Harassed While Reporting By-Election
Women Press Freedom denounces, calls on authorities to do all in its power to ensure a safe working environment for women journalists
Location: Malaysia, Penang
Date: July 3, 2024
The sexual harassment of a woman journalist covering a by-election in Malaysia is an alarming reminder of the urgent need to address the widespread issues of safety and respect for women professionals in the media industry. Such acts of harassment not only violate the personal dignity of journalists but also impede their ability to do their jobs. Women Press Freedom stands in solidarity with the affected journalist and reiterates the importance of ensuring a safe and respectful working environment for all. We commend the police for swiftly apprehending the suspect and urge the authorities to ensure appropriate action is taken against the person responsible. Ensuring the safety and dignity of women journalists is essential for upholding press freedom.
On the night of July 3, 2024, during the Sungai Bakap by-election in Penang, a woman journalist reported being sexually harassed by a campaign worker while reporting a political event attended by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
While working, the unnamed journalist witnessed a man near her engaging in an indecent act, which was reportedly observed by several other media workers. The man alleged to have committed the harassment claimed to be a campaign worker for a political party.
Penang police swiftly opened an investigation after a complaint was filed. The suspect, a man in his 30s, was taken into custody under suspicion of sexual harassment and indecent behavior. It is yet to be determined if his detention will be extended. Police have also seized several personal items belonging to the suspect, including the clothes he was wearing at the event.
The Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ) condemned the harassment, highlighting the unsafe environment women media practitioners in the country often face. CIJ executive director Wathshlah G. Naidu stressed that all press must be treated with respect and protected from harm.
Worryingly, this is not the first time women journalists in Malaysia have encountered harassment while reporting on election events. In September 2023, Women Press Freedom documented inappropriate behavior during the Pulai parliamentary by-election. Two women journalists covering events organized by the Home Ministry were reportedly harassed by a minister's bodyguard. One journalist was inappropriately touched on her hand while recording a press conference, while another was allegedly pinched on her back.
Women Press Freedom firmly denounces the sexual harassment of the woman journalist, who was trying to do her job reporting a political event when she was harassed. We urge Malaysian authorities to treat this incident with utmost seriousness and call on media organizations, political parties, and law enforcement agencies to implement strict protocols to prevent harassment, provide support for victims, and hold perpetrators accountable. The police must complete their investigation and charge the guilty party without delay.
Women Press Freedom is an initiative by The Coalition For Women In Journalism
The Coalition For Women In Journalism is a global organization of support for women journalists. The CFWIJ pioneered mentorship for mid-career women journalists across several countries around the world and is the first organization to focus on the status of free press for women journalists. We thoroughly document cases of any form of abuse against women in any part of the globe. Our system of individuals and organizations brings together the experience and mentorship necessary to help female career journalists navigate the industry. Our goal is to help develop a strong mechanism where women journalists can work safely and thrive.
If you have been harassed or abused in any way, and please report the incident by using the following form.