The investigation of Malaysiakini by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) was to assess if the two videos relating to the cow-head protest in Shah Alam had elements of racism that could trigger instability in the country.

NONE Deputy Minister of Information, Communications and Culture Minister Joseph Salang Gandum ( right) told Parliament that the probe was to not traverse the government's commitment to ensure Internet freedom as guaranteed under the Multimedia Super Corridor Bill of Guarantees.

Salang was replying to an additional question posed by Machang PKR MP Saifuddin Nasution on why Malaysiakini was investigated when the government is determined to promote freedom of information and Internet without censorship.

"The Minister of Information, Communication and Culture acknowledges the Bill of Guarantees with respect to Internet censorship.

"However, if there are elements of racism that could trigger instability in the country and elements of abuse of the Internet, it can be investigated as stipulated under the MCMC Act," said Salang.

Investigation papers with AG

"The action undertaken by MCMC to investigate Malaysiakini was in accordance with the law," he added.

MCMC probed Malaysiakini over the posting of two allegedly offensive video clips - one of the cow-head protest in Shah Alam, and other of a press conference on the protest by Home Minister Hishammuddin Hussein.

The commission interviewed 12 staff of Malaysiakini over the clips. Among those questioned were chief executive officer Premesh Chandran, editor-in-chief Steven Gan, editors as well as journalists, video team members and one technical staff.

Except for Chandran and technical staff, the others were involved in the process of news gathering, editing and publishing the stories and videos related to the cow-head protest in Shah Alam on Aug 28 and the Sept 2 Hishamuddin press conference.

Journalists Rahmah Ghazali, Jimadie Shah Othman, Andrew Ong, cameraperson Amir Abdullah, editors K Kabilan, Nasharuddin Rahman, Fathi Aris Omar, video editors Shufiyan Shukur, Ng Kok Foong and Lydia Azizan were all questioned.

MCMC has wrapped up its investigations and the papers are now with the Attorney-General's Chambers.