JournalismPakistan.com | Published May 04, 2020
Join our WhatsApp channelTashny Sukumaran, a correspondent for Hong Kong newspaper, the South China Morning Post in Malaysia, has been summoned by the Malaysian police over her reporting on raids in COVID-19 red zones.
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) joins its affiliate the National Union of Journalists Peninsular Malaysia (NUJM) to condemn the investigation and urges the authorities to drop the probe.
Sukumaran co-wrote an article published on May 1 on raids by civil defense officers, the police, and immigration officers targeting migrants and refugees. The raids, resulting in the arrest of hundreds of already marginalized migrant workers and refugees, occurred despite assurances from the Health Ministry that undocumented migrants had 'nothing to fear' in coming forward to be tested for the virus. South China Morning Post published photos of the operation from a source who cannot be named due to the safety reasons.
In her tweets posted on World Press Freedom Day, Sukumaran said she had been summoned to Bukit Aman on Wednesday, May 6. Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department director has confirmed that the police will continue the investigation despite the statement from Communication and Multimedia Minister Saifuddin Abdullah, who instructed the Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to not act against the journalist.
Sukumaran said she is being investigated under section 504 of the country's penal code. If convicted, she could face up to two years in prison for "whoever intentionally insults, and thereby gives provocation to any person, intending or knowing it to be likely that such provocation will cause [them] to break the public peace."
NUJM said: "The investigation of journalist Tashny Sukumaran, for her accurate reports on raids amid Covid-19, clearly contravenes the government's stated commitment to press freedom. The government needs to ensure freedom of press and fair reporting in covering cases involving its citizen and affirm its support for the public's right to know, particularly during a pandemic."
IFJ said: "IFJ condemns the investigation against a journalist who is doing a remarkable job in serving the public with truthful, accurate reports. This is a clear violation of press freedom, as journalists must be able to work without fear of harassment or intimidation. IFJ demands the police drop this case immediately."—IFJ media release
June 11, 2025: Pakistan celebrated a narrow win over Bangladesh, but beneath the jubilation lies a deeper crisis—from sidelined veterans to a collapsing domestic structure—signaling an urgent need for cricket reform.
June 11, 2025: Journalists walked out of the post-budget press conference in Islamabad to protest the absence of a technical briefing and the government's dismissive behavior, calling it unacceptable and intolerable.
May 31, 2025: Dr. Nauman Niaz has issued a defamation notice to Shoaib Akhtar over derogatory remarks made during a recent broadcast, reigniting a longstanding media feud between the two prominent figures in Pakistan.
May 30, 2025: The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan has demanded the full repeal of PECA, citing its vague language, coercive powers, and threats to free speech and digital rights in Pakistan.
May 30, 2025: The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has condemned the murder of journalist Syed Mohammed Shah in Jacobabad, calling for urgent justice and improved safety for media professionals in Sindh.
May 26, 2025: In Rawalpindi, police allegedly side with Jang Group to block 66 reinstated employees from resuming work despite court orders, drawing sharp criticism from unions and press freedom advocates.
May 25, 2025: PFUJ condemns the Jang Group's decision to dismiss over 80 employees in Rawalpindi, calling it an 'economic massacre.' The union warns of nationwide protests if workers are not reinstated.
May 25, 2025: Daily Jang Rawalpindi has terminated over 80 employees, including female staff, despite multiple court rulings in their favor—raising concerns over labor rights violations and misuse of authority in Pakistani media.
May 19, 2025 PJS reports 219 Palestinian journalists killed in Israeli attacks since October 7, with 30 women among the victims. Over 430 were injured and 685 family members were killed. Read more on the systematic targeting of media in Gaza.
May 15, 2025 Discover the legacy of Samiullah Khan, Pakistan’s legendary "Flying Horse," whose breathtaking speed and artistry redefined hockey. From Olympic glory to World Cup triumphs, his story is one of myth, movement, and magic.
May 04, 2025 Algerian authorities suspend Echorouk News TV for 10 days after it used a racist slur against African migrants. ANIRA demands an apology, calling it a violation of human dignity.
May 04, 2025 NCHR and MMfD launch a journalism fellowship to train reporters on digital rights & gender inclusion in Pakistan. Supported by UNESCO, this initiative aims to bridge the gender digital divide. Apply by May 15, 2025!
April 23, 2025 Discover Dr. Nauman Niaz’s In A Different Realm: Story of Quadruple & Triple Centuries 1876–2025, a profound exploration of cricket's most monumental innings, blending historical analysis with poetic narrative.