KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 7 — The Communications Ministry respects the right of the media to protect whistleblowers, but those who are being investigated should cooperate with the police, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said today.

Fahmi was responding to a question on what the media should do when there is a police investigation to find out its sources, given that the government’s code of ethics for the media states that journalists must protect their sources.

“If there are police reports made, based on existing laws at this time, we ask for anyone involved in investigations to give cooperation to the police. The police will investigate based on existing laws.

“So my recommendation is to give good cooperation. However, previously, I have said that in terms of sources, we in the ministry respect the media’s right to protect information about whistleblowers or those who give information.

“However, existing laws apply,” the government spokesman said in a brief response during a press conference after the Cabinet’s weekly meeting.

Yesterday, Kuala Lumpur police said the police are investigating a case involving news portal Malaysiakini’s report of an alleged transfer involving top leadership in the police.

Malaysiakini in its report yesterday had cited a source when claiming that Deputy Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay and Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department Director Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain were among those slated to be transferred to other agencies under the Home Ministry.

PDRM later denied issuing an official statement regarding the transfer of its top leadership.

https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/08/07/fahmi-ministry-respects-medias-right-to-protect-whistleblowers-but-those-probed-must-cooperate-with-police/146299