KUALA LUMPUR: National Journalism Laureate Tan Sri Johan Jaaffar has taken a jab at the police over their investigation on three Malaysiakini journalists who wrote what he described as a "harmless" article on an alleged leadership reshuffle in the force.
He said the police action in calling the three journalists reflected badly on the image of the police and gave an impression that the force "cannot be touched" at whatever cost.
Writing speculative pieces, he said, was nothing new in journalism as journalists speculated about almost everything including possible reshuffle in the cabinet line-up or leadership changes in corporations.
"I personally do not find the piece in Malaysiakini deemed malicious or defamatory. I believe with honesty that the Malaysian police are still held with respect and high-esteem and that the people care about them.
"Thus the interest in police matters probably propelled the journalists to come out with the story. I take it that it is in fact a compliment to the force.
"I find it totally unacceptable that a 'harmless' report would warrant such a retaliation from the police. Summoning members of the media over such a report is totally regressive and unacceptable. This is after all not a police state," he said in a statement.
Earlier today, the trio spent more than an hour giving their statements to the police with regards to an article about an alleged leadership reshuffle in the force published on Tuesday.
They left the Dang Wangi police headquarters at 3.45pm after giving their statements. They had arrived at the location at 2.35pm.
A lawyer representing the three journalists, Rajsurian Pillai, said that around 27 questions were asked about the matter, including the source of the article.
Johan added that journalists should be able to perform their duty without fear and favour as a free press is the bedrock of a functional democracy.
"The Madani government has promised to do away with the old regimentation of total control and oppression and provide a freer space for discourse.
"I am also disturbed by a suggestion from the communications minister that members of the press should cooperate with authorities on confidential sources.
"The journalists' responsibility to protect their sources is sacrosanct. I fully agree with Gerakan Media Merdeka (Geramm) and the National Union of Journalists Malaysia (NUJM) that 'cooperation' with any investigation by the authorities should not involve demands to reveal the identity of a confidential source.
"This runs contrary to the Code of Ethics published by the ministry itself," he said.
Recently, Inspector General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Hassan dismissed the reshuffle report as "fake news".
Media organisations, including Geramm and NUJM, have strongly opposed any measures that could compromise journalists' ability to protect their sources.
Meanwhile, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil has urged journalists to assist the police with investigations concerning their sources.