No respect for journalists

Despite his bold personality had won him many fans, DAP election publicity chief Hew Kuan Yau had never exercise moderation in his speeches. His using of vulgar words intends to degrade a person or an entity only reflects the type of person he is.

As he played along his definition of 'creativity' in labelling people in any ways he could think of, he had not shown any respect to people or certain community.

Calling journalists prostitutes in an insult to the profession. Journalists are reporting news that are of public interest. For Hew, who had no respect for journalists when he made speeches during DAP events, journalists are BN tools and often find fault in his words. But have he ever thought is it possible for curses or extreme points he raised in his speech to appear on print?

The newspaper is not politicians battlefield. It is a platform to convey messages that are beneficial to the public. If you are not using the media the right way, then do not blame the journalists for not siding you because you are the one who misuse the media first.

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NUJ disappointed with DAP's Hew and Tan

KUALA LUMPUR: The National Union of Journalists (NUJ) is disappointed with DAP election publicity chief Hew Kuan Yau for making a sweeping statement that journalists were "prostitutes".

NUJ general secretary V. Anbalagan said the union was equally appalled by DAP disciplinary committee chairman Tan Kok Wai's stand for giving tacit support by saying that Hew was merely stating a fact.

He said Hew's statement had tarnished the image of journalists working in the print, electronic and online media.

"This is unfair as he has cast aspersions on journalists, a special category of people to serve the public and raise issues of public interest," he said in a statement Sunday.

It was reported Sunday that Hew had apologised for the controversy caused by his remarks.

Anbalagan said Hew should have backed his statement with a specific case like, who the person was, and which organisation he/she worked in.

"Hew should have complained to the organisation so that action could be taken, irrespective of whether the journalist was an executive, bargainable employee (most of whom are NUJ members), contract employee or stringer.

"We demand that the DAP leadership take action against Hew and Tan as truth or fact must be supported with evidence.

"Anything short is baseless and unfounded allegation against journalists and the profession," he said. - Bernama