Groups condemn police probe on journo over migrant report

Two groups have condemned the police investigation against a South China Morning Post journalist over the migrants' raid report.

In a joint statement today, the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and its affiliate the National Union of Journalists Peninsular Malaysia (NUJM) urged the authorities to drop the probe.

“The investigation of journalist Tashny Sukumaran, for her accurate reports on raids amid Covid-19, clearly contravenes the government’s stated commitment to press freedom.

"The government needs to ensure freedom of the press and fair reporting in covering cases involving its citizen and affirm its support for the public’s right to know, particularly during a pandemic," said NUJM.

IFJ, the world's biggest journalist group that represents more than 600,000 members, described the police probe as a clear violation of press freedom.

“IFJ condemns the investigation against a journalist who is doing a remarkable job in serving the public with truthful, accurate reports.

"This is a clear violation of press freedom, as journalists must be able to work without fear of harassment or intimidation. IFJ demands the police drop this case immediately," said IFJ.

The police are probing Tashny under Section 504 of the Penal Code and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act (CMA).

Section 504 of the Penal Code which deals with intentional insult with intent to provoke a breach of the peace, carries a maximum of two years' imprisonment.

Section 233 of CMA is for improper use of network facility and it carries a maximum fine of RM50,00 or one years' imprisonment or to both.

In a statement yesterday, Communications and Multimedia Minister Saifuddin Abdullah said he had instructed the Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to not act against the journalist.

However, Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department director Huzir Mohamed said police would continue the criminal investigation against Tashny.

He said the police are empowered to take its own action and continue the probe. - Mkini