Independent journalist targeted by Malaysian authorities in sting operation

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published 9 months ago |  IFJ Media Release

KUALA LUMPUR-Online media portal Malaysiakini posted bail for one of its investigative journalists who was arrested on February 28 by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) for allegedly soliciting and receiving a bribe. The outlet has since launched an internal investigation into the case but strongly questioned the allegations. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), and its affiliate, the National Union of Journalists Malaysia (NUJM), express deep concern over the journalist’s arrest.

On February 28, Malaysiakini reporter B. Nantha Kumar was detained by the MACC in a so-called ‘trap case’. The arrest came just days after he published an expose on an immigration syndicate’s alleged smuggling of migrant workers into Malaysia. In the story published on February 22, it quoted an anonymous source, claiming a former immigration officer was the “mastermind” behind organised crime cartel operations at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).

In a press conference with Malaysiakini on March 1, MACC chief Azam Baki denied the journalist was arrested over his reporting, saying Kumar had been detained for soliciting and receiving bribes and charged under the MACC Act 2009. MACC alleges Kumar received a “payoff” bribe of MYR 20,000 (approx. USD4,500), negotiated down from MYR 100,000 (approx. USD22,600) from an immigration services agent, in exchange for ‘not publishing’ two articles surrounding the smuggling operation. It is reported the agent then lodged a report with MACC authorities, with the anti-graft agency then launching a sting operation. During the operation, an agent allegedly met the journalist at a Selangor hotel. MAAC alleged “cash was handed over to the journalist” and he was arrested by MACC officers at the scene.

Kumar was brought forward to the Putrajaya Magistrate’s Court the next day, with MACC’s request of a four-day remand granted. He was released on March 4, when  Malaysiakini’s executive officer, RK Anand, posted bail. The outlet stated it had launched an internal investigation. Malaysiakini’s executive and editor both said the allegations were “difficult to comprehend” given the journalist’s record. Kumar joined Malaysiakini in 2018 and has written extensively about crime syndicates and corruption linked to migrant work in Malaysia, including links with the Immigration Department. Malaysiakini has a long history of state harassment and various charges against its operations and is regarded as one of the country’s strongest independent media news outlets.

Earlier this year, on January 27, authorities seized the laptop of executive editor, RK Anand, following the outlet’s report on remarks made by former health minister Khairy Jamaluddin. The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission also reportedly requested access to Malaysiakini’s content management system. In a separate incident, Kumar and two other Malaysiakini journalists were summoned by the Dang Wangi police on August 9, 2024, concerning a news report on a potential leadership shake-up in the Royal Malaysia Police (RMP).

NUJM’s new NUJ-Malaysiakini branch reminded “all parties on the principle of innocent until proven guilty”. It said it hoped all parties could allow room for transparent investigations, and for the journalist be able to adequately defend himself.

The NUJM said: “NUJM hopes that any investigation by the MACC will bring justice to all parties and is not intended to in any way restrict freedom of expression in the country.”

The IFJ said:“The investigation of B. Nantha Kumar must be transparent. This is not the first time Malaysiakini journalists have been targeted by authorities so it must be looked through a strong lens of suspicion. The IFJ urges MACC to ensure that all matters of the case remain transparent and reminds that no law should be abused to silence critical media voices.”

law should be abused to silence critical media voices.”

Photo caption: Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief Azam Baki, confirms the arrest of Malaysiakini journalist at a press conference on March 1. Credit: X