IFJ Backs Malaysian Journalist In Appeal Against Sacking

IFJ Backs Malaysian Journalist In Appeal Against Sacking

Media Release: Malaysia

May 6, 2011

The Intern ational Federation of Journalists (IFJ) fully supports a senior journalist and union leader in Malaysia who is appealing to Malaysia ’s Industrial Relations Department to order his reinstatement at Utusan Malaysia newspaper.

Ha’ta Wahari, president of IFJ affiliate the Nation al Union of Journalists Malaysia ( NUJ M), was sacked by the newspaper after it accused him of tarnishing the paper’s image when he publicly expressed concerns about partisan coverage by Utusan.

Ha’ta was dismissed from his position on April 21, after being suspended on January 11.

“The IFJ joins the NUJ M in calling on Malaysia ’s Human Resources Minister to act promptly in referring Wahari’s appeal to the Industrial Court ,” IFJ Asia -Pacific Director Jacqueline Park said.

A domestic inquiry by the paper’s management determined on April 14 that Wahari was “guilty” of eight accusations of “misconduct”.

Utusan is owned by UMNO, the dominant political party in Malaysia ’s ruling coalition.

The IFJ represents more than 600,000 journalists in 131 countries

ENDS

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