Fahmi can't verify 'JAC leak', warns of classified documents

Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil is unable to confirm the authenticity of a document alleged to be the minutes of a Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) meeting that has been circulating since yesterday.

He said if the document is indeed authentic and classified, it would fall under the Official Secrets Act (OSA).

"I have been informed that a police report has been lodged. I cannot confirm whether the circulated document is authentic or not.

"If it is a genuine and classified document, then it is covered under the Official Secrets Act, so we must be cautious.

"If it is authentic and classified as secret, especially for my media friends, I urge you to be careful - do not disseminate it. If a document is classified, the OSA applies," he told reporters in Kuala Lumpur today.

Yesterday, it was reported that an alleged excerpt from the JAC meeting minutes in May has been leaked on social media.

The classified document appears to contain allegations echoing those in a leaked police report lodged in June on behalf of a senior judge, who had been accused of judicial interference.

The police report was lodged after Malaysiakini contacted the judge on June 12 seeking comment on certain allegations involving the judge reportedly made during a JAC meeting.

Pursuant to the police report, Bukit Aman’s classified crimes unit recorded statements from executive editor RK Anand and news editor Zikri Kamarulzaman.

‘Cabinet likely to discuss’

Fahmi further said the alleged leak of the meeting minutes is likely to be discussed by the cabinet, while investigations have been handed over to the police.

"Usually, the prime minister is very concerned about matters that arise in the public domain, so it’s possible it will be discussed.

"As for the investigation, we leave it to the police. For now, I have no further information. I cannot confirm whether the document is the meeting minutes or not," he reiterated.

Asked whether the MCMC had taken action to remove posts sharing the document, Fahmi explained that such measures are the responsibility of social media platform operators.

He said the MCMC acts based on public complaints, but the final decision to take down content lies with the platform itself.

"So, MCMC can request if there is a complaint, but in the end, it is up to the platform to remove it if they deem it a violation. So far, MCMC has not provided any updates on the matter," he added.

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