MCMC probing OSF funding, says minister

Kow Gah Chie
3 Nov 2016, PM 12:41 (Updated 3 Nov 2016, PM 12:57)


The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is investigating complaints filed on the leak that Bersih, independent pollster Merdeka Centre and Malaysiakini received funding from the Open Society Foundation (OSF).
Communications and Multimedia Minister Salleh Said Keruak said the commission had received several reports regarding this.

"We have to investigate first. You can't take action without an investigation, we have to follow the procedure.
"Malaysia's laws are clear, action will be taken against any party that breaks the law," he told a press conference in Kuala Lumpur.
Salleh, who did not elaborate on the details of the complaints, said once investigations are completed, MCMC would submit its findings to the relevant authority for further action.
Malaysiakini editor-in-chief Steven Gan reiterated that the news portal had provided a detailed explanation on the funds and is more than willing to cooperate with the authorities should there be an investigation.
He also denied that Malaysiakini is not about toppling governments, but holding those in power accountable to the public.
Meanwhile, Penang DAP organising secretary Wong Hon Wai criticised those urging MCMC to probe Malaysiakini.
"Such actions threaten the country's press freedom," said the Air Itam assemblyperson, who is also Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng’s political secretary.
"Malaysia fell to 146 in the World Press Freedom Index due to all kinds of laws and administrative actions which violate freedom of the media,” he added.


http://m.malaysiakini.com/news/361519