Imposter reporter punches CEO when asked for ID
Monday, 11 Nov 20196:11 PM MYT
image: https://apicms.thestar.com.my/uploads/images/2019/11/11/378993.jpg
KUALA LUMPUR: A man posing as a member of the press punched a CEO of a prominent think tank when the latter asked him for a press identification card.
Asli CEO Melissa Ong (pic) suffered a broken nose when she confronted the man during guests' registration at the Russian Trade and Business Investment Forum held at a hotel here, on Friday (Nov 8).
It is learnt that the man had used crude language when he was asked for his press card before taking a photo of Ong using his mobile phone.
He then punched Ong in the face when he was asked not to take the photo.
Despite attempting to flee the scene, the man was apprehended by hotel security personnel and handed over to the police.
Dang Wangi OCPD Asst Comm Mohd Fahmi Visuvanathan Abdullah confirmed the case.
The man had claimed to be a reporter from Bernama but this was refuted by the national news agency, who said that its reporter was not involved in the commotion that had led to the assault on Ong.
"He had previously worked as a part-time stringer for Bernama, and his contract was terminated in August 2017. Bernama has lodged a police report against this person for impersonating a Bernama reporter.
"Bernama does not condone such unprofessional behaviour among its reporters and would like to express our regret to the Asli CEO for having had to endure such unacceptable and inexcusable conduct.
"We would like to emphasize that all Bernama reporters are properly accredited. Organisers or hosts of events are welcome to ask for our reporters' accreditation during their press event or function," said the agency in a statement on Friday.
Read more at https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2019/11/11/imposter-reporter-punches-ceo-when-asked-for-id#DhXTp7uuUiB0pRRw.99
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