KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 22 - Datuk Seri Najib Razak today accepted an apology from the Malaysiakini news portal for reporting that he had issued an Umno presidential campaign manifesto that had the country buzzing over its conservative slant."I am satisfied on the basis of the unreserved apology by the editors of Malaysiakini and satisfied that the journalist concerned has taken responsibility," the deputy prime minister said here.
He added that the real issue was that "the real culprit who released it is still in hiding" but said that he would leave any investigation to the relevant authorities.
The New Straits Times today quoted Energy, Water and Communications Minister Datuk Shaziman Abu Mansor as saying the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) had started investigating the news portal, under sections 211 and 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Commission Act.
He said this followed a report lodged to the commission on the matter. However, he declined to reveal the origin of the report.
Malaysiakini published the report late Sunday quoting the manifesto, which among others, said Najib will defend Malay supremacy, set up a council of presidential advisers apart from denouncing a string of allegations against him and vowing to use all means to destroy elements that threaten the stability and peace of the country.
Journalist Wong Choon Mei, who wrote and uploaded the report, resigned yesterday to take responsibility for the matter.
Political observers see the e-mail as the latest sabotage effort against Najib, who is set to take over as Umno president next March.
Current incumbent Datuk Seri Abdullah Badawi announced on Oct 8 that he would step down by March and pass the baton to his deputy Najib. -- MI
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