National Union of Journalists (NUJ) president Hata Wahari has set up an 'office' outside the headquarters of his employer Utusan Malaysia, in protest of his indefinite suspension.

His 'office' consists of a small plastic table, chair, notebook computer, camera and a signboard which reads: 'Journalist on duty'.

"I have been charged but my guilt has not been proven. This is not fair," said Hata who has worked for the Umno-owned daily for eight years.

He has been suspended pending the disposal of a domestic inquiry into his scathing comments against his employer.

The inquiry was postponed yesterday over a technical dispute.

The NUJ has denounced the inquiry, stating that Utusan has no right to act against Hata because his comments were made in his capacity as the union head.

Wants to tell his side of the story

Hata told Malaysiakini that he plans to 'camp out' in front of the Utusan Malaysia headquarters over the next few days to state his protest.

"I've been sitting here since 10am, browsing the Internet and asking about problems faced by our (NUJ) members," he said.

He said that his main priority was to explain his situation to the public and fellow journalists.

He said that his 'office' has attracted the attention of some journalists and several of them had offered their support.

Thus far, the auxiliary police stationed inside the company headquarters and the company management had not disturbed his activities.

"We'll see. As long as this table doesn't disappear, everything will be okay," he said.

Despite his suspension, Hata vowed to continue his duties as a journalist.

NONE"I will be going for assignments, write reports and submit it (to whoever that wants it)," he said, adding that his first 'assignment' will be attending the briefing by Malaysian People's Wellbeing Party (Kita) tomorrow.

Among those who visited Hata's 'office' was Lembah Pantai parliamentarian Nurul Izzah Anwar.