Steven Gan, Charles Santiago summoned to Bukit Aman next Monday

 

Malaysiakini editor-in-chief Steven Gan and Klang MP Charles Santiago have been summoned to Bukit Aman next Monday as part of the investigation into comments made after the Federal Court found the news portal guilty of contempt last Friday.

Charles said on Twitter that he had been summoned to Bukit Aman on March 1, at 10.30am, to record his statement.

"This is in connection with a police report made against me in Kedah for my response to the Federal Court's decision on Malaysiakini.

"I reiterate that I will give my full cooperation to the police," he said.

Gan also confirmed that he had been called as well to give his statement at 2pm on the same day alongside a Malaysiakini sub-editor.

Earlier this week, Kuala Muda OCPD Adzli Abu Shah confirmed that two separate police reports against Charles and Gan were lodged by an individual from an NGO based in Gurun, Kedah.

"Investigation papers have been opened under Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act and Section 233 of the Multimedia and Communications Act.

"The complainant made two separate reports, one against Gan, one against YB Charles.

"We have not contacted them yet, but we will call them shortly to facilitate investigations," he told Malaysiakini.

Last Friday, Malaysiakini was fined RM500,000 for contempt of court by the Federal Court in relation to the news portal's readers' comments.

Attorney-General Idrus Harun initiated contempt proceedings against Malaysiakini and Gan over comments left by readers on the news website.

Idrus argued that the two respondents had scandalised the court by facilitating five readers' comments on an article dated June 9 titled "CJ orders all courts to be fully operational from July 1."

The Federal Court also ruled that Gan was not guilty of the same charge. The 6-1 majority decision cannot be appealed but can be reviewed by the apex court.

Gan and Charles were among many who made statements that were critical of the verdict in its aftermath. - Mkini