Moul Ratanak, the self-styled editor-in-chief of lesser-known Sena Padei News, was alleged to have falsely introduced himself as a staff member of Bayon Television and Radio. POLICE
A member of the Club of Cambodian Journalists (CCJ) was recently apprehended for masquerading as an employee of a powerful locally owned media organisation to extract money from others.
The CCJ, a body committed to upholding journalistic ethics and professionalism, has expressed shock and regret over the incident.
Moul Ratanak, the self-styled editor-in-chief of lesser-known Sena Padei News, was alleged to have falsely introduced himself as a staff member of Bayon Television and Radio.
Ratanak has since been indefinitely suspended from the CCJ. And if found guilty, he will face expulsion in accordance with its regulations.
In light of this incident, the CCJ has renewed its appeal to all its members to continue observing the ethical and professional code of journalists.
“We have consistently directed our 600-plus members to uphold the ethical and professional code of journalists, including our statutes and internal rules.
“This incident involving Moul Ratanak marks the first time one of our members has been arrested for such a grave professional crime,” it said, while reaffirming its commitment to ensuring the dignity and freedom of the press.
The arrest of Ratanak by the anti-cybercrime department took place on July 18 in Krang Thnong commune of Phnom Penh’s Sen Sok district. The department has since referred Ratanak to the municipal court for further legal action, following a complaint from Bayon deputy director-general Sao Phirun.
Moeun Chhean Narith, a journalism lecturer at the University of Cambodia (UC) in Phnom Penh, expressed his disappointment over the alleged offence.
He said that the behaviour of journalists, particularly those working online, has seen a decline. He expressed concern that this kind of misconduct could damage public trust in journalists in general, emphasising the need to bolster professional conduct.
“We urge all journalists to work diligently to reinforce their ethical and professional code. The reputation of the media profession has taken a hit due to these instances of professional misconduct.
“We also sympathise with certain journalists who have fallen prey to the schemes of traders or others,” he said.
According to the Ministry of Information, as of the end of 2022, Cambodia had over 2,000 registered national and international media units, both traditional and modern, employing approximately 4,000 journalists, an increase of 558 units or 27.30 per cent since 2018.
