Fahmi urges journos to cooperate with cops in probes over sources

 

Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil has called on journalists to cooperate with the police in investigations into their sources.

He said his ministry understands the media’s right to protect their sources but existing laws apply.

“If there is a police report made based on existing laws at this time, we ask anyone involved in the probe to cooperate with the police.

“The police will conduct an investigation based on these laws,” he told a press conference at the Communications Ministry this afternoon.

However, the minister did not clarify whether “cooperation with the police” means journalists must give up their sources.

Fahmi was asked about the conflict between the government’s media code of ethics and police probes, as the former notes that journalists must respect the privacy of their sources.

Yesterday, the police confirmed receiving a report over Malaysiakini’s article claiming that the Bukit Aman federal police headquarters is planning a major reshuffle of its top leadership.

Probe under Penal Code, CMA

Kuala Lumpur police chief Rusdi Mohd Isa said the case is being investigated under Section 505(b) of the Penal Code and Section 233 of the Communication and Multimedia Act 1998.

Section 505(b) refers to an intention to cause, or which is likely to cause, fear or alarm to the public, or to any section of the public whereby any person may be induced to commit an offence against the state or public tranquillity. The offender may face imprisonment for up to two years, a fine, or both.

Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act stipulates offences of using network facilities to transmit communication deemed to be offensive or could cause annoyance to another person.

An offence under the section is punishable with up to one year in prison, a fine of up to RM50,000, or both.

The report in question quoted a source who spoke on condition of anonymity and named several senior officers including Deputy Inspector-General of Police Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay as allegedly being among those who could be affected by the move.

Rusdi said police would also summon the authors of the said article to assist in the investigation.

Later, Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain described the report as “untrue” as the federal police headquarters had not issued an official statement about the matter. - Mkini