A media watchdog group has slammed the police for seizing a Malaysiakini journalist’s notebook for investigations purposes as a “serious breach of media freedom” and an infringement on freedom of expression.

“Protection of sources is sacrosanct to journalists as it has a direct bearing on their ability to work.

“As such, journalists’ recording devices should never be privy to anyone else but for the most compelling of reasons related to an immediate and demonstrable direct threat to public safety,” said the Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ).

The police confiscated the notebook following an interrogation into a story published by Malaysiakini on PAS deputy president Mohammad Sabu’s claim that he was rammed by a police vehicle during the July 9 Bersih rally.

NONE A day before the notebook was seized, the journalist was summoned to the Petaling police station to give a statement on the matter.

CIJ argued that although Section 51(1) of the Criminal Procedure Code (CPC) allows for the seizure of any necessary item for the purpose of investigations, it failed to address how it would assist in investigations as the police are probing a “politician’s alleged false claims”.

“Notepads or any other recording devices used by journalists in the course of their work not only contain information about the story in question, but also other stories they have published or are working on.

“These recording devices may also contain details of sources, some of whom may have spoken in confidence,” said the watchdog.    

‘Chilling effect’ on journos

It also warned that such measures might lead to “a chilling effect” that may hamper journalists from performing their duty.

“If the police do not refrain from such actions in future, journalists may think twice about covering certain sources or issues that they think may lead to them being called in as potential police witnesses and have their tools of the trade surrendered to the police.

“Journalists should be able to report according to their professional dictates without having to worry about the possibility of their laptops, cameras, notepads and such recording devices being subject to police seizure,” said the statement, urging the authorities to cease all prosecution on participants and supporters of the Bersih 2.0 rally.