JOHOR BAHRU: The police's detention of the Chief Editor and Deputy Chief Editor of Sin Chew Daily regarding an incomplete Jalur Gemilang illustration was lawful.
Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said the police have the authority to investigate issues that have sparked public anger.
He explained that the investigation involves the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM), and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).
"The first offence was detected through the Sin Chew print edition, so the initial investigation was conducted under the Printing Presses and Publications Act enforced by the Ministry.
"Therefore, any detention to assist in the investigation is in line with existing legal provisions," he said.
He stated this when asked about P Ramasamy, Interim President of Parti Bersatu untuk Hak Rakyat Malaysia (Urimai), who expressed regret over the police action.
Quoting a portal report, Ramasamy described the action as excessive and embarrassing.
The Lembah Pantai Member of Parliament added that MCMC's involvement is relevant since Sin Chew also publishes content digitally, like e-paper.
"In this issue, two ministries and the police are actively conducting investigations. The final decision will be submitted to the Attorney General's Office for further action, whether prosecution in court or other measures," he explained.
On April 17, the media reported the detention of the Sin Chew Daily editors to assist in the investigation of the incomplete Jalur Gemilang illustration.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain confirmed that both individuals were detained for further investigation.
Last Tuesday, the newspaper published the Jalur Gemilang on its front page for coverage of Chinese President Xi Jinping's state visit to Malaysia, but the image was incomplete.
The incident received criticism from various parties, including the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim, who said the newspaper's management should check materials thoroughly before printing.
The newspaper apologised and explained it was an unintended technical error.
