Malaysia lashes out at foreign media coverage of rally
By Melissa Goh, Channelnewasia
While the police are contemplating possible legal action against some of the 1,600 protesters who were arrested on Saturday, they claimed that all detainees were treated well and were offered food – buffet-style at US$8 per head – which include fried noodle, rice and drinks before they were released.
BUKIT AMAN, Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia’s Home Minister said foreign media will be taken to task for what he called “sensational” coverage of Saturday’s rally by the electoral reform movement, Bersih.
Mr Hishammuddin Hussein said police are conducting investigations.
He did not rule out legal action against foreign media, as well as those detained during Saturday’s rally.
As the dust settles after chaos rocked the Malaysian capital on Saturday, Mr Hishammuddin announced an official end to the crackdown on street protesters.
He commended the police for doing a good job in controlling the situation and preventing it from getting worse.
He disputed claims by rally organisers that 50,000 people had taken to the streets. Police put the figure at no more than 10,000.
“The police have done very well. The situation could have been much much worse. My concern is the security of the nation. The 10,000 people does not represent the 27 million population,” said the Malaysian Home Minister.
Mr Hishammuddin also accused the foreign media of baseless accusations on police brutality.
Riot police were condemned by rights groups for using excessive force against protesters by firing tear gas and water canons to disperse the crowd.
“We have the whole footage. The police are going to reveal all. We have nothing to hide. It was very clear that the police in every sense of the word were provoked,” said Mr Hishammuddin.
He said legal action will be taken against irresponsible foreign media.
“I hope the foreign media especially, in sensationalising… please be responsible, because when the facts do come out, in respect of the numbers, in respect of allegations of certain incidents, in respect of injuries sustained, and the death of an individual that’s been alleged to be caused by the police,” said the home minister.
Police claimed the man had died of a heart attack.
As police now analyse footage of the six-hour crackdown on Saturday, some members of the media are crying foul.
Premesh Chandran, CEO of Malaysiakini, said: “I think it was an excellent coverage by the international media of the rally, I think it raises a lot of question. Malaysia is the member of the Human Rights Council, it has committed itself to freedom of expression, freedom of assembly. And yet, if you look at the practice on the ground, it’s not the case.”
While the police are contemplating possible legal action against some of the 1,600 protesters who were arrested on Saturday, they claimed that all detainees were treated well and were offered food – buffet-style at US$8 per head – which include fried noodle, rice and drinks before they were released.
The opposition meanwhile, which is accused of capitalising on the negative publicity against Barisan Nasional-led government, threatens to unleash a second wave of rallies in states controlled by the opposition.
