New Straits Times
KUALA LUMPUR: The police must halt their probe into Malaysiakini over a report on a supposed reshuffle within the force and respect the rights of journalists to protect their sources, says a DAP member of Parliament.
In a statement, Seputeh MP Teresa Kok also called on the unity government to review laws that could be abused to restrict media freedom.
"The public has a right to know about important changes within the government. This openness is the foundation of trust between the people and the government," she said.
Kok said the government must do away with "old authoritarian thinking" and not use its power to oppress the media.
She said the police's summoning three journalists and asking them to reveal their sources would affect media freedom in the country.
In a healthy democracy, journalists should be able to work freely without being threatened, she said.
Kok said a strong government was one that was ready to be monitored and criticised.
"Only in this way can we protect democracy, ensure people have the right to be informed and ensure a fairer and more just future for all."
Yesterday, it was reported that police would take the statements of three Malaysiakini journalists over a report on the purported reshuffle of the federal police's top leadership.
Earlier in the week Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain dismissed the report, describing it as "fake news".
Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil has also urged journalists to assist the police with investigations concerning their sources.
However, Gerakan Media Merdeka and the National Union of Journalists Malaysia have spoken against this, saying it could affect a journalist's ability to safeguard the confidentiality of anonymous sources.