Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin stated that an investigation is underway regarding a former reporter from Free Malaysia Today (FMT) suspected of improper questioning, and the investigation report will later be submitted to the Attorney General's Chambers to decide on the next course of action.
According to Bernama, he emphasized that the police, as an enforcement agency, are not suppressing public freedom, but are fulfilling their duties to ensure that the law is upheld.
"When there is a complaint, the police will consider taking further action, which is the first step. The investigation is still ongoing. When his (the reporter's) cooperation is needed for the investigation, he will be summoned at any time."
He stated that he always respects freedom of speech, but that freedom comes with responsibility.
He said that the comparison made by the former reporter between Palestine and the Malaysian Chinese community was inaccurate, and this was also pointed out by related foreign legislators.
Saifuddin stated that the media outlet represented by the former reporter has already apologized and declared that the incident does not reflect the agency's stance.
"This incident has been widely circulated and has sparked different viewpoints. Some disagree that the (former reporter) should be detained for freedom of expression, while others believe this issue has crossed the line."
He made these remarks during a press conference while attending the "People's Care Program Project Handover Ceremony" at Kulim Hi-Tech Park on Saturday (17th), in response to questions from the media.
The former Free Malaysia Today reporter was detained by police at around midnight last night to assist in an investigation regarding a video discussion about Palestine, which had sparked controversy over alleged racism. The police released him after taking his statement.
Saifuddin said the Inspector-General of Police had already briefed him on the matter earlier that morning. "I’ve been informed that the former reporter involved will be released after completing the statement recording procedure."