CORONAVIRUS | Police will proceed to investigate an article published by Hong Kong-based newspaper South China Morning Post on a May 1 immigration raid at the Masjid India enhanced movement control order (MCO) area.
This was despite Communications and Multimedia Minister Saifuddin Abdullah's statement earlier today that he had instructed the Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to not act against the newspaper and its journalist in Malaysia, Tashny Sukumaran.
Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department director Huzir Mohamed said the police are empowered to take its own action and continue the probe.
"We can take action. In fact, we have already opened an investigation paper," said Huzir (photo) during a press conference at Bukit Aman on the conditional MCO scheduled to start tomorrow.
He said this when asked whether police will take note of MCMC's move and similarly close its case.
Earlier today, Tashny tweeted that she has been summoned to Bukit Aman on Wednesday to have her statement recorded over the article on an immigration raid at Selangor Mansion, Malayan Mansion and Menara City One.
Happy World Press Freedom Day!
I have been summoned to Bukit Aman this Wednesday for questioning over my reporting of the immigration raid on the downtown KL red zone on #MayDay.
879 people are talking about this
Among others, the article highlighted purported failures to comply with social distancing guidelines at the time of arrest, as well as concerns from activists that children and refugees were among those arrested.
Saifuddin in response tweeted he had instructed MCMC to halt its probe, adding that while he may "not like" the article, he would defend a journalist's right to publish it.
Responding further, Tashny pointed out that a journalist's job is not to write what the government likes.
"We write based on observations, interviews, facts.
"I appreciate your gesture but it doesn't change the fact that I am still being harassed by the police for doing my job as a reporter," said Tashny.
Defence Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob had defended the government's crackdown on undocumented migrants in enhanced MCO areas, insisting that their status does not allow them to walk free after the order have been lifted. - Mkini
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