KUALA LUMPUR: Gerakan Media Merdeka (Geramm) and the National Union of Journalists Malaysia (NUJM) strongly oppose any actions that could jeopardise journalists' ability to safeguard the confidentiality of anonymous sources.

In a joint statement, both Geramm and NUJM said any news should not be dismissed as "untrue" or "invalid" just because they cite anonymous sources.

 "Cooperation' with any investigation by the authorities should not involve demands to reveal the identity of a confidential source," they said. 

Geramm and NUJM said there is a need to respect the privacy and confidentiality of sources. It is outlined as one of the eight values of the Malaysian Journalist Code of Ethics published by the Information Department.

 "The same need also contributes towards the ability of journalists and media organisations to carry out their role as '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."

Geramm and NUJM emphasised that journalists and editors, not external parties, should determine the authenticity of sources and information while upholding confidentiality.

 "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 statement noted.

 "If there is a dispute after the publication of an article or news, it should be resolved through the independent Malaysia Media Council which is in the final stages of establishment through a Bill that is expected to be tabled in Dewan Rakyat in October."

Yesterday, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil has urged journalists to assist the police with investigations concerning their sources.

While acknowledging the media's right to protect whistleblowers, Fahmi underscored that existing laws still apply and encouraged full cooperation from media personnel.

He said this in response to a question on what the media should do if there is a police probe to find out about sources.

On Tuesday, the police opened investigations into an article published by a portal claiming that there will be a major reshuffle of Bukit Aman's top brass.

Kuala Lumpur police chief Datuk Rusdi Mohd Isa said a report on the matter was lodged with the police.

He said investigations have been opened under Section 505(b) of the Penal Code and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act for making statements with the intent to cause fear or alarm among the public and for inducing any person to commit an offence against the state or public tranquillity, as well as misusing network facilities, respectively.

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain, however, dismissed the reshuffle claims.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/08/1088490/defend-journalists-right-protect-confidential-sources-say-geramm-and