Speculative reporting is nothing new in journalism, says Johan Jaafar

KUALA LUMPUR: Speculative news reporting is not new in journalism, and a report by Malaysiakini on plans for a major police reshuffle should not have provoked a negative reaction from the police, says national journalism laureate Johan Jaafar.

He said journalists frequently produce speculative reports on various topics, including potential cabinet reshuffles or changes in corporate leadership.

The Malaysiakini report was neither malicious nor defamatory, he said, Bernama reported.

“It’s possible that the significant public interest in the police force motivated the journalists to write the report, which I view as a compliment to the police,

 He said this in a statement today after police summoned three journalists from Malaysiakini to provide statements regarding the report.

Johan said the report should not have provoked such a reaction from the police.

He said journalists should be able to perform their duties without fear or favour, as a free press is a cornerstone of a functioning democracy.

On Tuesday, Malaysiakini reported sources as saying that deputy inspector-general of police Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay and Bukit Aman criminal investigation department director Shuhaily Zain were likely to be transferred to other agencies.

However, Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain has denied these claims.

Johan was chief editor of Utusan Melayu group from 1992 to 1998 and chairman of Media Prima from 2009 to 2015.