Cops revisit Malaysiakini over source of 'JAC meeting' info leak

Police have once again questioned Malaysiakini over the source of a leak involving what purportedly transpired at the Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) meeting, which led to a police report being lodged on behalf of a senior judge.

Officers from Bukit Aman’s Classified Crimes Unit posed additional questions to Malaysiakini executive editor RK Anand on the identity of the source behind the leak.

But as in the previous session, Malaysiakini refused to divulge any names, citing journalistic ethics.

The probe was triggered after Malaysiakini contacted a senior judge on June 12 to seek comment on allegations said to have been made during a JAC meeting.

The judge did not respond and instead directed an aide to lodge a police report the same day.

Following this, statements were recorded from Anand and news editor Zikri Kamarulzaman.

OSA probe

The case is being investigated under the Official Secrets Act (OSA).

On June 24, the police report itself was leaked via WhatsApp, fuelling outrage and prompting calls for a royal commission of inquiry (RCI).

Three days ago, what appeared to be the actual JAC meeting minutes surfaced online.

Police have since launched a second investigation, invoking the OSA, Section 203A of the Penal Code (unauthorised disclosure of information), and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act (improper use of network facilities).

Yesterday, some 400 lawyers marched from the Palace of Justice to the Prime Minister’s Office to submit a memorandum, which among other things, demanded the release of the classified JAC minutes.

Apart from pushing for an RCI, former PKR deputy president Rafizi Ramli and eight party lawmakers have also called for a Parliamentary Special Select Committee (PSSC) to scrutinise judicial appointments.

They further urged the PSSC on institutional reforms to probe the alleged interference and summon Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to testify.

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