The ex-Free Malaysia Today journalist arrested over a Palestine lecture will be freed after giving his statement, says Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution.
KULIM: The former Free Malaysia Today journalist arrested last night will be released once police have completed recording his statement.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husin informed him of the decision this morning.
He said any further decision would fall under the Attorney-General’s Chambers’ jurisdiction once the investigation paper is submitted.
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“The police, as an enforcement agency, are only carrying out their responsibility to ensure the law is complied with,” he said after an event at Kulim Hi-Tech Park.
Saifuddin Nasution said he respects freedom of speech but asserted that it comes with responsibility.
The journalist was covering an event involving a United Kingdom politician and compared Israel’s oppression of Palestinians to the treatment of the Chinese community in Malaysia.
“The politician’s answer was also very clear, saying the comparison does not hold water as he knows Malaysia,” the minister added.
He noted the journalist’s former media company had apologised and stated the remarks did not reflect its position.
The incident has gone viral and prompted mixed public opinions, with some supporting his arrest and others criticising it on free speech grounds.
The man was arrested around midnight yesterday to assist in investigations into a viral video from the Palestine lecture. – Bernama
