KUALA LUMPUR – Science, Technology, and Innovation Minister Khairy Jamaluddin (Rembau-BN) has urged authorities to drop investigations against CodeBlue editor-in-chief Boo Su-Lyn.
The minister said he believed the journalist should not be investigated nor face charges over her recent story that was intended to improve matters related to the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme (PICK).
He was responding to a question on the matter during his winding-up speech at the Dewan Rakyat special sitting this afternoon, which was raised by Datuk Seri Panglima Wilfred Madius Tangau (Tuaran-Upko).
“I have been informed of the case although the decision to investigate or press charges is outside my scope of work.
“But in principle, I agree that there should not be any action taken towards anyone who made reports to improve the PPV (vaccination centre) and I will discuss the matter with the relevant bodies and authorities for us to leave the matter to rest.”
Khairy added that the case was considered as something that was done in the spirit of making improvements to the country’s PICK initiative.
On Monday, police launched an investigation into health news site CodeBlue over an article on recent Covid-19 cases at the Setia City Convention Centre PPV.
Boo was also called in to give a statement at the Shah Alam police headquarters.
The investigation was related to an article titled “Volunteers Claim Selangor PPV Hid Covid-19 Cases, No Mass Testing Or SOP”, which was published on July 18, it said in a statement.
CodeBlue said the police probe was believed to be conducted under Section 505(b) of the Penal Code, as well as Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
Section 505 of the Penal Code deals with statements said to cause alarm to the public, whereas Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act pertains to the “improper use of network facilities or network service”.
Following the report, the Covid-19 Immunisation Task Force issued a statement on July 19 confirming that seven Covid-19 cases among the PPV staff were detected on July 11. – The Vibes, July 28, 2021
