I AM urging the police not to proceed in calling three journalists from malaysiakini over an article claiming that Bukit Aman is planning a major reshuffle of its top leadership.
By doing so, the police are seen as harassing journalists trying to do their work. It reflects badly on the image of the police and gives an impression that the force "cannot be touched" at whatever cost.
Writing speculative pieces is nothing new in journalism. Journalists speculate about almost everything, including possible Cabinet line up reshuffle or leadership changes in corporations.
I personally do not find the piece in malaysiakini 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 not a police state.
The journalists should be able to perform their duty without fear and favour. A free press is after all 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. Journalists' responsibility to protect their sources is sacrosanct. I fully agree with Gerakan Media Merdeka (Geramm) and the National Union of Journalists Malaysia (NUJ) 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.
TAN SRI JOHAN JAAFFAR
National Journalism Laureate
