He said top cop Razarudin Husain should not get too upset as such reports would not “topple the Madani government”.
“If it’s not true, then deny it. Malaysiakini’s credibility will be affected. That is already a punishment. Being unethical is not a crime,” he said in a post on X.
“Give our journalists a break; all hard work, and they don’t get paid well.”
Razarudin was reported as saying that the journalists involved would have their statements recorded at the Dang Wangi police headquarters at 2.30pm today.
Malaysiakini’s article on Tuesday had quoted a police source as saying that deputy inspector-general of police Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay would lead either the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency or the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency.
Meanwhile, federal criminal investigation department’s director Shuhaily Zain will reportedly be heading the National Anti-Drugs Agency as its next director-general.
It also quoted a senior home ministry official as indicating that the ministry was not involved in any such plan.
Razarudin said that while the media had a duty to report news to the public, this must be done ethically.
He also warned that police would not hesitate to act under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act for the improper use of network facilities or services, Section 505(b) of the Penal Code on the publication of statements conducive to public mischief, and other provisions of the law.
In his post on X, Zaid said it was inappropriate to harass journalists for possible criminal offences related to their reporting, adding that journalists exercise caution and verify sources to ensure their credibility.
“Journalists know their responsibility to report based on factual events. Where the sources are unconfirmed, they will exercise caution,” he said.
“They will check and counter-check. They will ensure that the credibility of the source is good.”
He added that many significant stories exposing governmental misconduct had been broken by journalists based on unconfirmed sources, citing as examples the Pentagon Papers and Snowden revelations.