Mkini journalists refuse to reveal source during police questioning

Police summoned three Malaysiakini journalists today over a news report on a possible Bukit Aman reshuffle, with the investigating officer posing a direct question seeking the identity of the source quoted in the article.

However, the reporters - B Nantha Kumar, Hariz Mohd and Shahrin Aizat Noorshahrizam - stood firm in not revealing the source’s identity.

Speaking to reporters outside Dang Wangi district police headquarters, the trio’s lawyer, Rajsurian Pillai, said they were each asked 27 questions.

“Among the questions were - who was their source?

“For most of the questions, they responded that they will only answer (them) in court,” he said after the questioning session which lasted over an hour.

On Tuesday, Malaysiakini published an article on Bukit Aman allegedly planning a major reshuffle involving its top officers, including Deputy Inspector-General Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay.

Subsequently, Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain said the story was “untrue” as Bukit Aman had not issued an official statement on the matter.

Kuala Lumpur police chief Rusdi Mohd Isa later confirmed that the matter was being investigated under Section 505(b) of the Penal Code and Section 233 of the Communication and Multimedia Act 1998.

Section 505(b) relates to the intent to cause, or likely to cause, fear or alarm to the public, or to any segment of the public, so that a person might be induced to commit an offence against the state or public tranquillity.

The section carries imprisonment for up to two years, or a fine, or both.

Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act deals with offences related to the improper use of network facilities or services. This section may lead to imprisonment for up to one year, or a fine of up to RM50,000, or both.

Speaking at a press conference later, Hariz told reporters that they gave full cooperation to the police during questioning.

“I would like to say thank you to the police for their hospitality. We were cooperative and answered all 27 questions,” he added.

Upholding journalistic ethics

Gerakan Media Merdeka (Geramm) spokesperson Radzi Razak who was present outside the police headquarters said journalistic ethics, including those outlined by the Information Department, mandate the respect and protection of sources.

“Malaysiakini's commitment to protecting their source during questioning demonstrates their resolve.

“And we will continue to support and raise awareness about the importance of this principle. The public often lacks insight into the media's work and the necessity of safeguarding sources,” he added.

‘Be responsible when reporting’

Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail reminded media practitioners to be responsible when reporting.

The minister said this over criticisms from Geramm and the National Union of Journalists Malaysia (NUJM) yesterday on the authorities’ actions that can jeopardise the protection of a source’s identity.

“I don’t want to comment on specific cases as it is already under police investigation.

“But what I want to stress here is that when it comes to journalism, reporting responsibly must be a top priority.

“And we must be accountable not only to media companies but the people in general,” Malaysia Gazette reported him as saying.

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