The police recorded a statement from Malaysiakini executive editor RK Anand in relation to the Sabah mining scandal this afternoon.
Anand's laptop was also seized to facilitate investigations.
This is over a police report filed in Sabah by Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (Star) president Jeffrey Kittingan who was one of the politicians implicated in the scandal.
The statement was recorded at the Petaling Jaya district police headquarters.
Responding to the seizure of Anand’s laptop, Gerakan Media Merdeka (Geramm) highlighted that in the current media landscape, most journalists perform their duties using personal devices.
As such, it argued in a statement today that any seizure of such devices could result in not only a loss of assets, but also disruptions to daily work.
It added that with the establishment of the Malaysian Media Council, it is hoped that any disputes involving media ethics can first be referred to the council without negating the police’s authority to investigate received reports.
Allegations of payments and permits
In September, businessperson Albert Tei claimed that he had given Jeffrey RM1.78 million in bribes.
Tei also revealed a support letter Jeffrey purportedly wrote for a sand mining licence application in Balambangan Island.
He also released a set of documents which allegedly showed that the Star president had applied for a 30-year “occupation permit” to obtain a quarry licence covering 80ha within the Pulau Banggi forest reserve.
The veteran Sabah politician denied any wrongdoing, saying the funds received were for political donations.
The MACC had questioned Jeffrey in September, but there have been no developments since. - Mkini
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.