Malaysian Police Affirms Professionalism in Al Jazeera Investigation
Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia's police chief insisted on Wednesday (Aug 5) that investigations into an Al Jazeera documentary are being conducted "professionally" and rejected concerns about worsening media freedom, a day after the broadcaster's office was searched.
The authorities are investigating the news network's programme ‘Locked up in Malaysia's Lockdown’, after the government was angered by its critical look at the treatment of migrant workers during the coronavirus pandemic.
Officials on Tuesday searched the Qatar-based broadcaster's Kuala Lumpur office and seized two computers, sparking fresh anger from Al Jazeera and rights groups and adding to concerns about media independence in Malaysia.
But the country's Inspector-General of Police Abdul Hamid Bador said the search by police and communications ministry officials was carried out "very professionally".
"It was not a military kind of action taken by the police," he told in an interview.
He added that Al Jazeera staff was "informed earlier of our intent to be there. They were even asked which devices were used. They cooperated".
The search came after seven Al Jazeera journalists were questioned by police last month in connection with the documentary.
Mr Abdul Hamid said the probe would be wrapped up soon, after which the attorney-general would decide whether to bring charges.
But the government insists the documentary which focused on alleged mistreatment of migrants when they were rounded-up during a coronavirus lockdown in May tarnished the country's image.
