COMMUNICATIONS Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil has defended the detention of two senior editors from Sin Chew Daily, asserting that the police acted within the bounds of the law following the publication of an incomplete image of the Jalur Gemilang.
He explained that the matter initially fell under the jurisdiction of the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984, which is enforced by the Home Ministry, and is also being investigated under the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act 1963 and other relevant legislation.
“The initial offence was detected in the print edition of Sin Chew, and thus the preliminary investigation was conducted under the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984, which is enforced by the Home Ministry (KDN).
“The investigation is also being conducted under the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act 1963, as well as several other acts under the jurisdiction of the police,” he said during a visit to the National Information Dissemination Centre (NADI) in Taman Sri Skudai on Monday.
Fahmi was responding to public criticism over the police’s brief detention of Sin Chew’s chief editor and deputy chief sub-editor. Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain previously confirmed both individuals were released after their statements were recorded.
The incident drew public and royal criticism, including from His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, who urged the newspaper to be more vigilant in its editorial oversight. Sin Chew Daily had later apologised, attributing the mistake to a technical error.
On a separate matter, Fahmi also addressed the government’s takeover of Menara Kuala Lumpur’s (KL Tower) operations, stating that the move did not favour any particular party and was conducted entirely in accordance with legal procedures.
“The eviction notice issued by the Federal Land Commissioner is not an act of oppression. It is a step based on the rule of law,” said Fahmi, who also serves as spokesperson for the Unity Government.
He stressed that the case is currently before the courts and urged all parties to allow the legal process to run its course.
“The action taken is in line with the principle of upholding the rule of law, as enshrined in the Federal Constitution,” he said during a press conference after his NADI Centre visit.
The temporary closure of KL Tower was ordered by the Communications Ministry to facilitate maintenance and upgrades by the new management, in the interest of public safety and comfort.
The ministry previously announced that from 1 April 2025, the operation, management, and maintenance of KL Tower had been taken over by LSH Service Master Sdn Bhd (LSHSM). The ministry also stated that the continued occupation of the premises by Menara Kuala Lumpur Sdn Bhd (MKLSB) after 31 March 2025 was unlawful.
Accordingly, the Federal Land Commissioner issued two formal eviction notices to MKLSB via letters dated April 3 and 9, 2025. - April, 21, 2025
