Why Does Zahid Hamidi Think This Journalist Is A Threat To Malaysia's National Security?
Her actions were deemed "detrimental to the country's safety and security".
By Sadho Ram — 01 Dec 2015, 04:35 PM
Meet Mary Ann Jolley, a freelance television journalist currently working with Al Jazeera's 101 East, a weekly television programme.
You may know her from Al Jazeera's exclusive half-hour investigative docu-story on the murder of Altantuya Shaariibuu. Mary was deported in the midst of investigating the murder.
In the course of her investigation, Mary Ann Jolley was abruptly deported from KL to Sydney on 14 June this year, after the Home Ministry deemed her activity as having a "potential negative effect on the image of Malaysia". However, Mary's deportation did not stop her pursuit of the story as she tracked down Sirul's Australian connection, who related his version of what happened the night Altantuya was murdered.
Following which she was banned from entering Malaysia.
Now, after four and half months, Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, in a written reply to Hee Loy Sian (DAP-Petaling Jaya Selatan), said that this was due to her actions which could be deemed to be detrimental to national security and public order.
“Al Jazeera journalist Mary Ann Jolley is not allowed into the country as her actions can be detrimental to the security of the country and public order,” Zahid said in a parliamentary written reply to Hee Loy Sian (PKR-Petaling Jaya Selatan).
themalaysianinsider.com
Zahid, who is also the Home Minister, cited the Immigration Act 1959/63, which allows the Immigration Director-General to restrict the entry any foreigner into Malaysia who is deemed a threat
"The Immigration Act 1959/63 empowers the director-general of the Immigration Department to restrict the entry any foreigner into Malaysia if he believes the individual can bring harm to national security," said Zahid, who is also home minister.
malaysiakini.com
DAP's Hee also asked Zahid to explain if the investigation against convicted Sirul Azhar had been closed after he fled to Australia
Zahid said the investigation involving Sirul has been concluded and that he has been convicted by Federal Court.
"Thus, the issue that the case has not been concluded does not arise," he said.
malaysiakini.com
