PETALING JAYA: Cooperating with an investigation should not involve needing to reveal confidential sources, say media organisations.
In a joint statement by Gerakan Media Merdeka (Geramm) and the National Union of Journalists Peninsular Malaysia (NUJM) firmly opposed any effort that may threaten the right of journalists to protect the confidentiality of anonymous sources.
"Any news should not be judged as ‘untrue’ or ‘invalid’ just because it cites a source whose identity has been kept secret.
"The assessment of the authenticity of the source and the information disclosed, in addition to the need to keep identity confidential, should be determined by the reporter and the editor, without the involvement of outside parties,” the statement read.
The group also added the need to respect the privacy and confidentiality of sources was outlined as one of the eight values of the Malaysian Journalist Code of Ethics published by the Information Department on behalf of the government.
The statement published on Thursday (Aug 8) also highlighted the right of journalists in Malaysia to protect the confidentiality of sources has also been recognised as a court precedent since 2013 in a defamation case decision.
“The same need also contributes towards the ability of journalists and media organisations to carry out their role as the ‘fourth estate’ or represent the voices of all levels of society.
“Without guarantees of protection, journalists will lose trust from sources with information that needs to be disclosed,” it said.
If there is a dispute after the publication of an article or news, it should be resolved through the independent Malaysian Media Council which is in the final stages of establishment through a Bill that is expected to be tabled in the Dewan Rakyat in October, the groups added.
On Thursday, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said the government respected the media's rights to protect their sources, but journalists should also cooperate with any police investigation as required by law.
On Tuesday (Aug 6), Bukit Aman denied an online portal's report that there would be a major reshuffle of the top leadership in the police.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain said that the news portal had refused to divulge the source of their story.
Razarudin also advised all parties not to quote unofficial sources for matters involving security and government agencies.
Kuala Lumpur police chief Comm Datuk Rusdi Mohd Isa later said that a police report had been lodged and the case was being investigated under Section 505(b) of the Penal Code and Section 233 of the Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Act 1998.
