The National Union of Journalists (NUJ) today called on the police to take “decisive action” against those responsible for injuring two journalists on duty at Penang’s anti-Lynas rally yesterday.

adam chew kwong wah jit poh journalist with blood on fingers “The NUJ condemns an unruly group, believed to be supporters of Perkasa and Umno, for assaulting two media members who were on duty to cover the solidarity gathering for the Himpunan Hijau in Penang on Sunday evening,” said NUJ president Chin Sung Chew.

In a strongly worded statement, Chin said there was “absolutely no reason” to attack the journalists.

“The reporters were assigned to cover the event and I am sure the public, including the group, could identify members of the press on duty,” he said.

Kwong Wah Yit Poh journalists Adam Chew ( right ) and Lee Hong Chun were attacked during a fracas that erupted at the anti-Lynas rally at the Esplanade.

Chew’s injuries required eight stitches , while Lee ( below ) sustained light bruises on his head

He slammed such acts of violence, especially against journalists doing their job, and called for members of the media to take special care in future.

NONE “The NUJ will monitor this case closely as we do not want such incident to become a trend where media workers are attacked while carrying out their public duty,” he said.

The rally in Penang was the only one in a series of nationwide protests against the Lynas rare earth plant in Gebeng, Kuantan, to see violence .

The main event in Kuantan, Pahang’s capital, saw roughly 15,000 protesters state their case against the threat of radiation from the plant in a peaceful rally.

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