Warisan Where Is Justice When Journalists Probed But Vvips Roam Free

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Warisan has condemned the police investigation into news portal MalaysiaNow for exposing an alleged mining scandal in Sabah in which Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s former aide, Farhash Wafa Salvador Rizal Mubarak, was implicated.
Supreme council member Mudi Dubing expressed disappointment that the authorities were targeting the media instead of investigating the allegation.
“The question arises: What has happened to the justice system and rule of law in our country?
“Journalists who expose government misconduct involving ‘VVIPs’ are the ones being investigated while the ‘VVIPs’ allegedly involved in wrongdoing remain free and untouched by investigation,” he said in a statement.
Mudi said such actions appear to send a message to the public that the government intends to suppress media freedom and undermine its role as a watchdog over those in power.
“Media freedom is the cornerstone of a democratic society. We urge the government to cease all forms of pressure against the media and to remain steadfast in its commitment to uphold press freedom in this country.
“Failure to do so may adversely affect Malaysia’s standing in the World Press Freedom Index and tarnish the country’s image on the international stage,” he added.
Yesterday, it was reported that MalaysiaNow is being investigated under Section 203A of the Penal Code for leaking confidential documents, following a police report lodged by the state-owned Sabah Mineral Management Sdn Bhd (SMM).
The news portal said it is also being investigated under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act (CMA) 1998 for improper use of network facilities and services.
Clip exposed
On July 24, MalaysiaNow published an audio clip tied to the allegation that a mining exploration licence in Sabah was approved for a company linked to Farhash.
According to the report, the recording was purportedly from an SMM board meeting in May 2024, chaired by Sabah Chief Minister Hajiji Noor.
MalaysiaNow claimed the recording proved Hajiji had voiced support for the company linked to Farhash, Bumi Suria Sdn Bhd, but there was purportedly some reservation expressed by State Secretary Safar Untong.
On July 21, SMM denied that any company linked to Farhash was granted a prospecting licence in the state. Farhash also issued a denial, as well as a cease and desist letter against MalaysiaNow.
On July 25, SMM clarified that it granted conditional permission to Bumi Suria to apply for a prospecting licence, but it was later cancelled after the company failed to submit the required documents.
SMM and Hajiji have come under scrutiny following Malaysiakini’s revelation that a businessperson allegedly bribed over a dozen Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) politicians in exchange for mineral exploration licences.
Yesterday, Bersatu and Umno questioned why only two assemblypersons have been charged so far, suggesting this may point to selective prosecution. - Mkini

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