Works Minister S Samy Vellu's press secretary E Sivabalan used abusive language on malaysiakini journalist Beh Lih Yi when she attempted to approach the minister at the Parliament lobby today.

The journalist had wanted to ask the minister for his response to a matter concerning him which was raised in Parliament yesterday.

This morning, the minister was in the House to answer questions regarding his ministry and a group of journalists approached him when he stepped out of the House.

At this point, Sivabalan came up to the journalists and asked them what they wanted to ask his boss.

Beh: We would like him to respond to the debates concerning him in Parliament yesterday.

Sivabalan: I have called every newspaper (to inform them that) they cannot write the news because they can be sued for defamation. You can't ask (the minister) this question now because you will also be sued for defamation.

Beh: Asking a question does not tantamount to defamation.

Sivabalan: Which paper are you from?

Beh: I am from malaysiakini.

Sivabalan: Did you publish the story?

Beh: Yes we did, but we did not mention his (the minister's) name.

Sivabalan: I told you not to write the story...

At this juncture, Samy Vellu passed the journalists on his way out and when Beh attempted to approach him, the journalist was stopped by Sivabalan.

Pointing his finger at the her face, Siva said: "I told you not to ask. Don't touch the nerves."

"Don't threaten me, Mr Siva," Beh replied.

As Sivabalan walked away with the minister, he turned towards the journalists and with his finger pointed at Beh, said: "She is very rude. F**K that woman!".

Some 20 minutes later, Sivabalan apologised to Beh over the phone, adding that he should not have used such harsh words.

Assurance

Upon receiving a report of the incident from Beh, malaysiakini news editor Francis Paul called Sivabalan and asked him for an explanation.

After a lengthy conversation, in which Sivabalan admitted to using the four-letter word, he extended his apology to malaysiakini.

Francis then pointed out to Sivabalan that it was wrong of a press secretary to take it out on the journalists as they were often assigned by their editors to follow up on certain stories.

"I am very sorry I lost my cool this morning with your journalist. I have apologised to her and I wish to apologise unreservedly again," the press secretary said remorsefully.

Francis then told Sivabalan that he accepted his apology on behalf of malaysiakini but he must give an assurance that such an incident will not recur.

Sivabalan was also advised that his career as a press secretary will be short-lived if he is unable to handle members of the media with tact and decorum.

"Yes, I am aware of that. I assure that will not happen again," he added.