Malaysiakini has recalled its reporter Kow Gah Chie from Sibu for safety reasons.
Malaysiakini editor-in-chief Steven Gan today said that the decision was made following the circulation of Kow’s photograph on social media, after she had written an allegedly misleading article quoting BN Nangka incumbent representative Dr Annuar Rapaee.
“While we have recalled Gah Chie for safety reasons, Malaysiakini will continue covering the Sarawak election with a number of other journalists,” said Gan.
The article published last Thursday suggested that Annuar had asked Sarawakians to vote for BN in the state election, "so that a Muslim leader can continue to lead the Sarawak government.”
Later the same day, Annuar, however, alleged his words has been taken out of context.
Malaysiakini stands by its report that also quoted Annuar as having denied that he was playing the race and religious card.
Sarawak police had reportedly confirmed that Kow was investigated under Section 505(c) of the Penal Code.
Sarawak Criminal Investigation Department senior assistant commissioner Dev Kumar was quoted as saying that the case was being investigated based on six reports lodged against Kow, Bernama reported.
Dev, however, also told The New Straits Times that he could not confirm reports circulating on social media which suggested that the reporter had allegedly left the state abruptly yesterday.
"We are unaware that she had been asked to leave Sarawak by her employer," he reportedly said.
Gan, meanwhile, said that the police reports were the latest attempts to intimidate journalists in Malaysia.
“This is aimed at bringing a chilling effect on media ahead of the state polls. We should not bow to such harassment," stressed Gan.
Section 505(c) of the Penal Code refers to investigations on whoever makes, publishes or circulates any statement, rumour or report with intent to incite or which is likely to incite any class or community of persons to commit any offence against any other class or community of persons.
LISTEN to the audio recording of Annuar's speech:
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