Six Al Jazeera staff presented themselves at the Bukit Aman federal police headquarters in Kuala Lumpur this morning to have their statements recorded.
This was in connection with the network's "101 East" programme which highlighted alleged mistreatment of undocumented migrants by Malaysian authorities during the movement control order.
The group, accompanied by seven lawyers led by Hisyam Teh Poh Teik went in at 8.50 am. Among those called up included Al Jazeera journalist Drew Ambrose.
The five other staff were similarly involved in the production of the 25-minute documentary.
Speaking to reporters outside Bukit Aman, Hisyam stressed that his clients will cooperate fully with police investigations.
"I would also like to inform that before this AJ has also written a letter to the honourable minister of defence about this episode, and at the same time, they have also issued a press statement," he said.
Hisyam (photo) also read out portions of Al-Jazeera's statement which emphasised the Qatar-based outlet's commitment to ensure fair and accurate reporting.
"I would like to emphasise (these) certain parts to say our clients refute these charges," he said.
"We hope that after investigations, the police will not commence any actions whatsoever after getting the information they required," he added.
The management of Al Jazeera last night said it stood by its controversial report on undocumented migrants in Malaysia and expressed concern over the online harassment its staff were facing over the documentary.
The report included interviews with migrants, NGOs, civil society organisations, and trade associations.
The report had angered the government, which denied the claims of racism, and maintained that the handling of migrants was done according to the law.
Hisyam declined to confirm the number of his clients today, citing security reasons.
He also revealed that a police report has been lodged at the Dang Wangi police station yesterday over security concerns.
Since the airing of the documentary, Al-Jazeera's staff have had their personal details revealed online, raising concerns over a privacy breach and other forms of harassment.
Aside from the Al-Jazeera staffers, the Immigration Department is now tracking down a migrant interviewee in the documentary. - Mkini
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