KUALA LUMPUR: Qatar-based Al Jazeera reporter Mary Ann Jolley is barred from entering Malaysia.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi in a written reply to Hee Loy Sian (DAP-Petaling Jaya Selatan) said this was due to her actions which could be deemed to be detrimental to national security and public peace.
He said the ban was applied in accordance with the Immigration Act 1959/63.
“Under the act, the Immigration director-general has the power to stop entry of any foreign citizens into Malaysia. This is if it is believed that the individual could cause harm to the country's peace,” he said.
Hee had asked the reasons for Jolley not being allowed into the country after Al Jazeera's 101 East telecast on "Murder in Malaysia" in September this year showcased the murder of Mongolian citizen Altantuya Shaariibuu.
She had produced a half-hour investigative piece on Altantuya's murder, aired on Al Jazeera and was deported by the authorities on June 14.
To a second question in which Hee asked if the investigations into former police corporal Sirul Azhar Umar case has been closed since he fled to Australia, Zahid said Sirul’s case had been completed and punishement had already been meted out the High Court.
“Due to that the issue of Sirul being investigated does not arise again,” added Zahid.