KUALA LUMPUR: Blogger Murray Victor Hunter has issued a full retraction and apology after reaching a settlement with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) over articles considered defamatory.
Hunter, an Australian blogger based in Thailand, acknowledged that his publications about MCMC and its personnel were inaccurate, misleading and have led to misunderstandings.
In a statement on Tuesday (Jan 13), he expressed regret and apologised if his writings caused any damage, and confirmed he is retracting all such content listed in Schedules 2 and 3 of the settlement.
"MCMC and I have discussed and reached an understanding via a Settlement Agreement. I acknowledge that my comments and articles about MCMC and its related persons can be read to be inaccurate, misleading and have led to misunderstandings.
"I therefore apologise and regret if such actions caused any damage to MCMC and/or related persons, and I hereby fully retract all such comments and articles in their entirety.
"The list of the said comments and articles in Schedule 2 and Schedule 3 of the Settlement Agreement with MCMC is attached herein," he said.
The retracted articles, published between April and November 2024 on platforms including his Substack page, Eurasia Review, and X, contained allegations against MCMC ranging from abuse of power to protecting corporate interests.
The settlement follows a Shah Alam High Court ruling in October 2025 which found Hunter liable for defamation, affirming that freedom of speech is not absolute and must be exercised responsibly.
In its statement at the time, MCMC stated that the judgment underscored the right to express opinions does not justify making false, malicious, or defamatory statements that damage reputations.
Police reports had been lodged in Malaysia and Thailand in April and June 2024 over Hunter's publications. A civil suit was subsequently filed in Malaysia, with court papers served to him in Thailand. — Bernama
