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KUALA LUMPUR – Investigative journalist Lalitha Kunaratnam spent more than three hours with federal investigators in Bukit Aman today as part of a probe into her articles that alleged wrongdoings by Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commissioner (MACC) chief Tan Sri Azam Baki.
Speaking to press outside the federal police headquarters here in the city, the journalist revealed how she was asked more than 80 questions by investigators, with Lalitha appearing clearly fatigued after the session.
“I was asked about 83 questions – all of them I answered to my best capability.
“My statement was about 15 pages, which is why it took so long,” she said.
Lalitha, who arrived in Bukit Aman around 2.30pm and left around 6.15pm, also affirmed the professionalism of investigators handling her case.
Her lawyer, Manjeet Singh Dhillon, said that police have yet to inform him and his client if a second session is required.
“He did not say if he is going to call us back again, but let police investigate the matter in accordance with the law; the law is the law, and it will be properly investigated.
“I am confident police will do a good job,” he said.
Lalitha today said that her case is being investigated under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (CMA) and Section 505 of the Penal Code.
Section 233 of the CMA relates to the improper use of network facilities or network services, while Section 505 concerns statements made which are deemed as conducive to public mischief.
Following her two-part exposé, titled Business Ties Among MACC Leadership: How Deep Does It Go? which were published on the Independent News Service portal, Lalitha has found herself on the receiving end of a letter of demand and a RM10 million defamation suit from Azam.
The articles penned by Lalitha relate to the alleged purchase of shares and warrants in public listed companies using Azam’s trading account beyond the limits allowed for civil servants – purchases Azam claimed were all managed by his younger brother Nasir Baki.
However, the Securities Commission of Malaysia has clarified that Azam was indeed the one controlling the trading accounts.
The suit initiated by Azam against the investigative journalist has been frowned upon by many, considering how MACC had previously announced its unwavering commitment to protecting whistle-blowers under the law.
Today’s session came after police reports were lodged against the journalist in December last year, one supposedly filed by MACC senior assistant commissioner Mohan Munusamy, and another lodged by an assistant enforcement officer from the Road Transport Department. – The Vibes, February 3, 2022
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