No one, regardless of his or her position, should threaten journalists when questioned. If such people feel uncomfortable about questions from those in the media, they should just state that they will not make any comment.

This is the code that people who do not want to speak to the press, no matter the issue, should observe instead of threatening the newspersons, the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) said today.

NONEThe union said this in response to Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) complaints committee chairperson Mohd Nor Abdullah, who yesterday accused journalists of "fishing for evidence" when he was questioned about investigations into reports of corruption made against Sarawak Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud.

The journalists were just carrying out their responsibilities in gathering information for the general public, NUJ president Hata Wahari (right) said. "They were not targeting anyone in particular, or trying to sensationalise any particular situation."

In his outburst against the journalists questioning him on the MACC's progress into its investigations against Taib during a press conference yesterday, Mohd Nor warned them of possible consequences under the Printing Presses and Publication Act .

A former Court of Appeal judge who heads the five-member MACC complaints committee, Mohd Nor (below, right) also told the journalists: "Under the Act, you must have reasonable cause to believe what you believe in.

"If there is any investigation against the chief minister, you must first be convinced there is. This is the requirement under the Act. You cannot fish for evidence."

'Everything starts with a question'

Hata, when contacted by Malaysiakini today, said: "Journalists ask questions when they feel that something is not right... that something is creeping up on a particular issue or matter.

NONE"When journalists feel or hear that something is not right, it is their job to investigate, to ask questions and to help expose the truth to the nation.

"They cannot just keep quiet or be gagged by certain people or parties, since they are entrusted to report the truth."

Where do journalists start when they are told to "investigate" and not ask questions? Everything, Hata said, "starts with a question".

If the government, or the people, refuse to comment on a particular matter, then they should just say "no comment" and not try to give journalists a lecture on how to carry out their duties.

"It is entirely up to them whether or not to make a comment or respond to a question. But, never ever threaten journalists," he reiterated, adding that this would be even more upsetting if government officials were to do so, since it is their duty to serve the people.

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