Malaysia media groups urge action after reporter allegedly assaulted over question

South China Morning PostCenter-RightEN 1 min read 100% complete by Joseph SipalanJanuary 21, 2026 at 08:15 AM

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Malaysian media groups are calling for government action following an alleged assault on a journalist by the chief executive of a government-linked company. The incident occurred after a news conference on Monday, where the executive reportedly yanked the reporter's lanyard in response to a question she asked a minister. The National Union of Journalists Malaysia (NUJM) condemned the action as unreasonable and a violation of media freedom. This incident follows the recent detention of another journalist under the Sedition Act for asking a "sensitive question," raising concerns about press freedom in Malaysia. The NUJM stated the executive was unhappy the question was unrelated to the event.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Sedition Act 50% Government of Malaysia 70% National Union of Journalists Malaysia (NUJM) ×280% Malaysia ×290%

Keywords

journalist assaulted 90% press freedom 90% malaysia 80% media groups 70% news conference 70% violence 60% intimidation 60% national union of journalists malaysia 60% government officials 50% sedition act 50%