SLAIN JOURNALIST'S EHTHUSIASM AN INSPIRATION FOR ALL - MALAYSIAN PM NAJIB

PETALING JAYA (Malaysia), Sept 5 (Bernama) -- Najib Tun Razak said Sunday
the shooting death of a Malaysian journalist in war-torn Somalia should not
demoralise fellow newsmen in the country because providing coverage in high-risk
areas was part and parcel of journalism.

Describing the slain journalist, cameraman Noramfaizul Mohd Nor of
BernamaTV, as a national hero, the prime minister of Malaysia said he admired
his enthusiasm and perseverance in discharging his duty.

"I was impressed by the fact that Noramfaizul was adventurous and full of
enthusiasm in that he frequently accompanied humanitarian missions abroad and,
in the face of risks, courageously overcame impediments to send back excellent
coverage for the Malaysian people," he said.

Najib spoke to reporters at the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) base in
Subang near here after the arrival of Noramfaizul's remains and the 54 other
members of the humanitarian aid mission to famine-hit Somalia organised by the
Putera 1Malaysia Club.

"Noramfaizul's enthusiasm and dedication should inspire us to organise more
humanitarian aid missions," he said.

Najib said the spirit displayed by Noramfaizul had elevated Malaysia's
standing as a nation always at the forefront in providing aid to countries
suffering from calamities.

Noramfaizul, 39, was killed on Friday in Mogadishu after he was shot while
travelling in a four-wheel-drive vehicle with other Malaysian media personnel
covering the humanitarian aid mission in famine-hit Somalia by the Putera
1Malaysia Club.

Asked to comment on the work of journalists in high-risk areas, Najib said
these were usually zones of conflict.

"Of course, there won't be any risk if we go to an area where there is no
more
conflict. However, to provide up-to-date coverage in a war zone, one has to face
many risks. There will be many warring factions, and their people will be armed.

"Weapons in the hands of irresponsible and unprofessional people can give
rise to many risks even when we are not their targets," he said.

Najib said the unexpected shooting involving Noramfaizul could be
categorised as collateral damage. Collateral damage is unintentional damage to
civil property and civilian casualties caused by military operations.

The prime minister extended his condolences to Noramfaizul's family and
said the government would provide assistance.

He said the government had decided to bear the educational expenses of
Noramfaizul's two sons, Mohd Irfan, eight, and Mohd Naufal, three.

Noramfaizul was the eldest of six siblings, and the only son in the family.

-- BERNAMA