Social movement Projek Wawasan Rakyat (POWR) has expressed concern with the police probe against a journalist over a report on the hauling in of migrants in the city centre (above) yesterday.
Its coordinator Faisal Aziz said the article written by Tashny Sukumaran, who is the Malaysian correspondent for the South China Morning Post, was factual and objective.
POWR, he said, is baffled that cops would choose to probe Tashny under Section 504 of the Penal code for intentional insult with intent to provoke a breach of the peace.
"The article and tweets in question were factual and objective, featuring reports of what was happening on the ground, and viewpoints from credible individuals from civil society.
"The government was also given a chance to give their version of events, but reportedly did not respond to requests for comments.
"As a whole, the article and the Twitter thread seem completely bereft of an intent to insult, provoke, or breach the peace," Faisal said in a statement.
The government, he added, should look to improve their policies internally rather than "shooting the messenger" had it been perturbed by criticisms over its actions.
Faisal reminded that the Communications and Multimedia Minister Saifuddin Abdullah has given a commitment that the press freedom would be upheld.
"Journalists should always be free from any harassment whatsoever that prevents them from doing their job without fear or favour.
"We hope he will remain true to his words."
"We call upon the government and the police to cease any frivolous investigations and focus their efforts on adopting wise policies to ensure the health and safety of all Malaysians," said Faisal.
Malaysiakini yesterday reported that over 300 enforcement officers from various agencies launched an operation on undocumented migrants at Jalan Masjid India which is under an enhanced movement control order.
Senior Minister (security cluster) Ismail Sabri Yaakob said that 586 undocumented migrants were arrested.
Addressing critics of the crackdown, Ismail said they should be thankful to the government as the tests were conducted to prevent further spread of the coronavirus.
"These critics of the government should be thankful to the government because they (migrants) were tested and declared clean (from Covid-19).
"Imagine if they (the migrants) were to return to their homes or their countries (without being tested), for sure they would be spreading the virus," he said.
Earlier today, 62 NGOs expressed concern at the government's decision to arrest the migrants, saying that it would be difficult to observe social distancing measures in detention centres. - Mkini
back to BN era
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