KUALA LUMPUR: Former law minister Datuk Zaid Ibrahim has criticised the police for summoning three journalists regarding an article alleging imminent transfers involving senior officials within the force.
In a post on X, Zaid said the police should deny the allegations if the report were untrue.
He also told the Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain not to get 'upset' over the report as it will not topple the Madani government.
"If it (the report) is not true, then deny it. Being unethical is not a crime, give our journalists a break; all hard work, and they do not get paid well," he said on X.
Zaid also said it was inappropriate to harass journalists for possible criminal offences related to their reporting, adding that the action would only affect the portal's credibility.
"Journalists know their responsibility to report based on factual events.
"Where the sources are unconfirmed, they would exercise caution, they will check and counter-check, (and) they will ensure the source's credibility is good."
On Tuesday, police opened investigations into an article published by a portal claiming that there will be a major reshuffle of Bukit Aman's top brass. (reference:
Kuala Lumpur police chief Datuk Rusdi Mohd Isa said a report on the matter was lodged with the police. He said investigations have been opened under Section 505(b) of the Penal Code and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act for making statements with the intent to cause fear or alarm among the public and for inducing any person to commit an offence against the state or public tranquillity, as well as misusing network facilities, respectively.
Razarudin, however, dismissed the reshuffle claims.
Yesterday, Razarudin said police would be recording the statements of the three journalists from a news portal at the Dang Wangi District Police headquarters at 2.30pm today.