Days after Twentytwo13 co-founder and editor Haresh Deol was attacked in broad daylight in the affluent Bangsar Baru neighbourhood in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, he has received an outpouring of support from Malaysians from all walks of life – including national leaders, veteran politicians and legal experts.
Their voices reflect a shared concern for press freedom, public safety, and the growing threats faced by those who dare to speak truth to power.
Their comments follow in the footsteps of other Malaysians, including media groups who had earlier shown their support for Haresh.
During the incident, Haresh, who has been reporting extensively on the “doctored document” scandal that has rocked Malaysian football, was left bloodied and suffered bruises to his elbows and nose. Three men had attacked Haresh with one who used his mobile phone to record the assault. A suspect has since been arrested.
Tunku Imran Tuanku Ja’afar, Former Olympic Council of Malaysia president
I have known Haresh for many years. He is an excellent journalist and a great person.
He has reported on many controversial issues in the past, so he knows what he is doing.
We do not know the motive for the attack, but no matter what the reason is, no one should be attacked. No one should resort to violence.
Journalists must be free to do their job without fear.
Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek, Felda chairman and former Youth and Sports Minister
I’m stunned by what has happened. I have known Haresh for a long time. He is a tough but principled journalist who speaks his mind on many issues.
I don’t know why he was assaulted. I hope the authorities conduct a thorough investigation, ensure those responsible are punished, and that Haresh receives justice.
Lim Yi Wei, Kampung Tunku State Assemblyman
The attack on Haresh Deol isn’t only an attack on media freedom, but on sports governance. Having followed his work and Twentytwo13 for awhile now, Haresh’s work always challenges us to question standards in Malaysian sports.
Acts of violence affect everyone in sports. If we believe that sports unite Malaysians, then we must unite to demand better governance and the non-negotiable right to safety for all.
Datuk Seri M. Saravanan, MIC Deputy President
It appears to have been arranged or planned by someone with something to lose. Why would anyone take a video of the assault? I believe it is evidence of a “job done” for whoever hired them.
I hope this incident doesn’t deter Haresh and he will continue speaking the truth, as he has done for many years.
The media should continue to speak up on issues affecting the country. They must not be intimidated.
Wong Chen, Subang MP
I understand that the police have arrested a suspect, so I will be guided by the results of their investigation.
If the assault is an act of intimidation against reporters, then as a human rights MP, I will raise the matter in Parliament with the Parliamentary Special Select Committee (PSSC) on human rights, and also engage the Home Ministry to provide better protection for reporters and whistleblowers.
The PSSC will be able to summon the authorities to provide better information, and also recommend that the police adapt their standard operating procedures to increase the protection of reporters in controversial cases, such as the recent FAM scandal.
Politically, the Madani government must do its utmost to protect press freedom and live up to its human rights commitments.
We cannot allow lawlessness to take hold. We need a prompt and professional investigation into Haresh’s assault, and those responsible must be charged and face stiff prison terms to deter future attacks. We also need the Madani government to demonstrate strong political will, as a free press is crucial in providing checks and balances against abuses of power.
Salim Bashir, Former Malaysian Bar president
To my knowledge, Haresh is one of the nicest people you can meet, and also a fearless journalist.
I don’t think he is someone who intimidates others, and he has been in this line of work for 25 years without any issues.
We must identify whether this attack is related to his work or if it is a personal issue. If it is personal, then we must ask: why now?
I am surprised to hear that the police issued a statement saying the attack is a personal matter without calling Haresh back to verify the facts. What do they mean by “personal matter”?
If it is a personal matter, they should establish the facts and explain how they arrived at that conclusion.
The police need to gather all the facts and leave no stones unturned.
Datuk Seri Michael Chong, MCA Public Services and Complaints Department, Head
Attacks on journalists are very rare. Usually incidents happen at courts, with photographers being the main targets – they get kicked or spat at.
I feel this is an isolated case, and journalists are usually very safe.
People generally know they cannot mess with journalists, as the pen is mightier than the sword.
Haresh is a veteran journalist and has written many hard-hitting articles. The public wants journalists who write without fear or favour, as they want to hear the truth.
I wish Haresh a speedy recovery.
Datuk Seri Ti Lian Ker, Former MCA vice president
I am shocked by what happened to Haresh. I know him, and he is a professional, fair, rational, and unbiased journalist.
The attack is uncalled for and is an attack on journalism in this country.
We should not allow this kind of intimidation. It is an act of cowards.
Journalists must be allowed to report the truth, based on factual and critical reporting.
We must protect journalism so that journalists can do their work without fear.
The Madani government must act quickly to get to the bottom of this and ensure the country does not enter the dark ages, where journalists are afraid to do their jobs.
