KUALA LUMPUR, May 20 — Malaysian Media Council (MMM) has called for a thorough, transparent and immediate investigation into allegations of harassment, obstruction and disorder involving media personnel during coverage of the Pakatan Harapan Convention in Johor Bahru last Sunday.

In a statement issued today, MMM said it had received an official complaint from Johor Media Club regarding the alleged incident involving journalists carrying out their professional duties at the event.

According to the council, media practitioners were allegedly obstructed while performing their work, with the situation escalating into shoving and verbal altercations. Several female journalists were also reportedly affected.

The Johor Media Club has since lodged a police report over the matter.

MMM noted that the Pakatan Harapan Convention Secretariat had issued a statement taking the allegations seriously and had initiated an internal investigation while pledging cooperation with the authorities.

The council also acknowledged remarks by Aznan Tamin, who stressed that provocation and aggressive behaviour towards media personnel do not reflect the values and culture of Johor.

“Media practitioners carrying out their duties lawfully and professionally must be accorded respect, space and safety to perform their work,” the statement said.

MMM stressed that a free and functioning media is a fundamental pillar of a democratic and informed society, as well as essential to safeguarding the public’s right to information.

It said journalists covering public events, including political conventions, must not be obstructed, harassed, pushed or subjected to any form of aggression while carrying out their duties.

“If any party has concerns or complaints regarding the conduct of journalists or media organisations, the proper course of action is to raise the matter formally through the appropriate channels, rather than taking matters into their own hands,” it added.

MMM also highlighted that its Code of Conduct and Complaints Mechanism were established to address complaints involving media practitioners in a fair and structured manner.

The council further urged organisers of events across political parties, public institutions and private entities to ensure proper access, adequate coordination and safe working conditions for accredited media personnel at all events.