KUALA LUMPUR – Police will be recording statements of three writers from a news portal tomorrow regarding an article alleging imminent transfers involving senior officials within the force, said Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain.
In confirming this, he said the statements will be taken at the Dang Wangi district police headquarters at 2.30pm.
“So far, police have recorded a statement from the complainant, and investigations are ongoing,” he said, according to Bernama.
On Tuesday, police denied issuing any official statement on such changes in its senior line-up.
The article claiming the force was planning a leadership reshuffle was published by an online news portal.
It was previously reported 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 for transfer.
The news portal had claimed that Ayob is reportedly set to lead another agency under the Home Ministry, while Shuhaily is expected to be appointed as National Anti-Drug Agency director-general.
Razarudin also reminded media practitioners to refrain from publishing speculative reports or news that could lead to slander or harm the public.
“We understand the responsibility of media practitioners as intermediaries in delivering news to the public, but it must be done ethically,” he said.
He also warned that police would not hesitate to take strict action if reported news causes slander or harm.
Previously, Razarudin dismissed the report, calling it “fake news”.
He told Scoop he had instructed the police secretary to summon the reporters responsible for this misinformation.
“This is indeed fake news – there is no truth to these reports.
Action can be taken under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act (CMA) 1998, Section 505(b) of the Penal Code, and other applicable provisions, he added.
He clarified that under Section 233 of the CMA 1998, those found guilty could be fined up to RM50,000, imprisoned for up to one year, or both, upon conviction. – August 8, 2024