The two Australian journalists who were detained over the weekend for trying to 'aggressively' approach Datuk Seri Najib Razak at an event, would not be stopped if they returned to Malaysia as tourists.
Deputy Home Minister Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed said however, action would be taken against reporter Eroglu Levent and camera operator Linton Joshua Besser from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation if they were found to have breached rules.
"The duo had broken the law where they should have applied for a permit if they wanted to carry out media duties in Sarawak. However, that (not pressing charges) is the prerogative of the state government.
"We have no qualms about letting them into this country as tourists. We will decide on our actions if the situation calls for it. At least now they know that what they did was wrong," he said when asked to comment on the move to deport the two journos.
READ: Australia concerned over journalists held in Malaysia
When asked if they would be blacklisted in entering Sarawak, Nur Jazlan said: "The laws of Sarawak immigration lies with the state government. It all depends on the state government."
Levent and Besser were detained last Saturday when they allegedly tried to approach Najib during the Prime Minister’s walkabout at Masjid Darul Ehsan Kampung Haji Baki in Kuching.
After having their statements recorded at the Padawan police station, the duo were released the next morning. The police had initially called for the duo to be charged here for 'obstructing a public servant from obstructing his duty'.
However, the deputy public prosecutor had instead instructed for the duo to not be charged but to immediately deport them.
Levent and Besser have since left the country this morning.
READ: Arrest of two Aussie journalists appropriate - Police
READ: Not obstructing journalists on duty, it's about PM's safety - Zahid
Tan Su Lin
Tue Mar 15 2016
The Aussie journos being deported this morning. - Astro AWANI
COP29 climate summit draft proposes rich countries pay $250 billion per year
The draft finance deal criticised by both developed and developing nations.
Bomb squad sent to London's Gatwick Airport after terminal evacuation
This was following the discovery of a suspected prohibited item in luggage.
Kelantan urges caution amidst northeast monsoon rains
Kelantan has reminded the public in the state to refrain from outdoor activities with the arrival of the Northeast Monsoon season.
Former New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern receives UN leadership award
Former New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern was given a global leadership award by the United Nations Foundation.
ICC'S arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant an apt decision - PM
The decision of the ICC to issue arrest warrants against Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant is apt, said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
KTMB provides two additional ETS trains for Christmas, school holidays
KTMB will provide two additional ETS trains for the KL Sentral-Padang Besar route and return trips in conjunction with the holidays.
BNM'S international reserves rise to USD118 bil as at Nov 15, 2024
Malaysia's international reserves rose to US$118.0 billion as at Nov 15, 2024, up from US$117.6 billion on Oct 30, 2024.
Findings by dark energy researchers back Einstein's conception of gravity
The findings announced are part of a years-long study of the history of the cosmos focusing upon dark energy.
NRES responds to Rimbawatch press release on COP29
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) wishes to offer the following clarifications to the issues raised.
Online Safety Bill and Anti-Cyberbullying Laws must carefully balance rights and protections
The Online Safety Advocacy Group (OSAG) stands united with people in Malaysia in the fight against serious online harms.
Malaysia's inflation at 1.9 pct in Oct 2024 - DOSM
Malaysia's inflation rate for October 2024 has increased to 1.9 per cent, up from 1.8 per cent in September this year.
Saudi Arabia showcases Vision 2030 goals at Airshow China 2024
For the first time, Saudi Arabia is participating in the China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition held recently in Zhuhai.
King Charles' coronation cost GBP 71mil, govt accounts show
The coronation of Britain's King Charles cost taxpayers GBP72 million (US$90 million), official accounts have revealed.
Couple and associate charged with trafficking 51.9 kg of meth
A married couple and a man were charged in the Magistrate's Court here today with trafficking 51.974 kilogrammes of Methamphetamine.
PDRM to consult AGC in completing Teoh Beng Hock investigation
The police may seek new testimony from existing witnesses for additional insights into the investigation of Teoh Beng Hock's death.
Thai court rejects petition over ex-PM Thaksin's political influence
Thailand's Constitutional Court rejects a petition seeking to stop Thaksin Shinawatra from interfering in the running the Pheu Thai party.
Abidin takes oath of office as Sungai Bakap assemblyman
The State Assemblyman for Sungai Bakap, Abidin Ismail, was sworn in today at the State Assembly building, Lebuh Light.
UPNM cadet officer charged with injuring junior, stomping on him with spike boots
A cadet officer at UPNM pleaded not guilty to a charge of injuring his junior by stomping on the victim's stomach with spike boots.
How Indian billionaire Gautam Adani's alleged bribery scheme took off and unraveled
The indictment was unsealed on Nov. 20, prompting a $27 billion plunge in Adani Group companies' market value.
Elon Musk blasts Australia's planned ban on social media for children
Several countries have already vowed to curb social media use by children through legislation, but Australia's policy could become one of the most stringent.