“(Edmund) Burke said there were Three Estates in Parliament; but, in the Reporters’ Gallery yonder, there sat a Fourth Estate more important far than they all.” – Thomas Carlyle penned in his book On Heroes and Hero Worship.
JOURNALISTS have a job to do, and when allowed to do so without fear or favour, it would naturally be for the betterment of society and the nation.
“I hope they don’t treat us like the enemy. We are not the enemy. Let’s work together, talk with each other to improve and to make this country better,” National Press Club president Datuk Ahirudin Attan said.
“Those in power, especially politicians, are the ones who mostly landed pressmen in trouble,” he was reported to have said over Bernama TV during an interview in conjunction with World Press Freedom Day.
“Politicians today are increasingly thin-skinned, and even some members of the royalty are coming after journalists. And, our friends at PDRM are getting over-sensitive about what journalists and broadcasters do.”
He said this in reference to an Astro Awani anchor who was under investigation over what was reportedly said on air with regards to two RM50,000 compounds issued in Kelantan recently.
Ahirudin, who is also Petra News executive director, called on the 3,000-odd media workers who were left without professions in the wake of the pandemic to remain positive and not throw in the towel.
“Please don’t give up… we have to keep it up and continue the struggle.”
