CYBERJAYA – The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) acted on a request from the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) in the seizure of a laptop from Malaysiakini, according to Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil.
Speaking at a press conference after officiating the Chatbot Sebenarnya.my event at MCMC headquarters today, Fahmi explained that the commission was fulfilling its role as a technical agency assisting with police investigations.
“As far as I understand, Malaysiakini is not the target of the investigation but is considered a witness,” said Fahmi. “Perhaps this was based on feedback received by the police from the Attorney-General’s Department regarding the investigation papers that were submitted. It is to aid the investigation process, and once it is complete, the laptop will be returned. There is no issue.”
The seizure is linked to an investigation involving former Rembau MP Khairy Jamaluddin and remarks he made about a document purportedly connected to an order that would have allowed former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak to serve the remainder of his prison sentence under house arrest.
The Special Investigation Unit of Bukit Aman’s Criminal Investigation Department had earlier recorded a statement from Malaysiakini executive editor RK Anand.
However, the news portal was later informed that the laptop in question would need to be confiscated. Malaysiakini is expected to visit MCMC’s headquarters today for further discussions.
On January 11, political secretaries Datuk Suraya Yaacob and Nor Azrina Surip lodged police reports over Khairy’s remarks, prompting the investigation. Khairy’s statement was recorded two days later.
Bersih’s right to criticise government reforms
Separately, Fahmi commented on recent criticisms by the Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections (Bersih), asserting that the movement has every right to express public disappointment if the government does not deliver on promised reforms.
“Bersih has the right to express that view,” he said.
Bersih Chairman Muhammad Faisal Abdul Aziz had earlier urged the government to begin implementing reforms this year, following the People’s Rally Against Corruption held in Kuala Lumpur last Saturday.
Among the reforms demanded are the separation of the roles of the Attorney-General and public prosecutor, amendments to the Election Offences Act 1954 to tackle electoral corruption, updates to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009, and the introduction of a Political Financing Act.
The rally, attended by around 200 participants—mostly university students—highlighted public dissatisfaction with corruption in the country.
Also present at today’s event was MCMC Chairman Tan Sri Mohamad Salim Fateh Din. – January 28, 2025