KUALA LUMPUR – Among the questions posed by authorities to three journalists today were queries about the identity of a source related to a news report on high-profile police transfers.
The three reporters from an online portal arrived at the Dang Wangi district police headquarters at 2.35pm today with their lawyer Rajsurian Pillai.
According to Rajsurian, among the 27 questions asked during the interrogation, one concerned the identity of their source.
This question was not answered, as it would violate journalism ethics, and legal precedent suggests that reporters are not required to disclose their sources.
He added that police conducted their investigations professionally and showed an understanding of the reporters’ position.
“The reporters came today willingly, and the authorities were professional when performing their duties.
“They were separately asked 27 similar questions, including on the identity of the source behind their article, but we said the media can’t reveal their sources,” Rajsurian told the media.
He added that police did not confiscate the reporters’ phones or electronic devices.
Meanwhile, Hariz Mohd, one of the reporters who was questioned today, expressed hope that authorities would respect journalists’ rights to protect their sources.
“We respect the rights of police (to conduct investigations), but we hope our rights are protected as well,” Hariz said.
Currently, police are conducting investigations under Section 505(b) of the Penal Code for publishing material likely to cause public alarm and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 for misuse of network facilities.
On Tuesday, police announced that they were investigating an online news portal over a report claiming the impending transfers of several high-ranking officers out of the force to agencies under the Home Ministry.
Kuala Lumpur police chief Datuk Rusdi Mohd Isa said this follows one report lodged over the matter, which is now being investigated under Section 505 of the Penal Code and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act.
The news portal, citing sources, named Deputy Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay and Bukit Aman criminal investigation department director Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain among the senior officers slated to be transferred to other agencies under the Home Ministry.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain dismissed the report, calling it “fake news”.
Commenting on the matter, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil advised media personnel who are facing police investigations – which could potentially include pressure to reveal unnamed sources – to fully cooperate with authorities.
He said that while his ministry respects the media’s right to protect the identity of its sources or whistleblowers, it is important to comply with existing laws. – August 9, 2024