PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Media Council has questioned the arrest and detention of former Free Malaysia Today (FMT) journalist Rex Tan, describing the move as unnecessary and punitive.
The council noted that Tan had publicly apologised and resigned from FMT over the matter, and had indicated willingness to cooperate with the police.
“In this context, his arrest and detention appear unnecessary and punitive,” it said in a statement here on Saturday (Jan 17).
The council said the case raised broader concerns about risks faced by media professionals, including whether a journalist could be deemed to have committed sedition or caused public mischief simply by asking a question at a public forum.
It said incidents of this nature highlighted growing occupational and legal risks for journalists in Malaysia, such as investigations, detention and other punitive measures even while performing routine duties.
“Such risks can cause severe psychological and professional pressure, undermining the ability of journalists to work freely and safely,” it said.
The council said heavy-handed action against media practitioners could have a chilling effect on public discourse.
It added that such actions reflected poorly on a government that had repeatedly pledged to uphold freedom of expression and press freedom.
Calling for Tan’s immediate release, the council urged the police and government to show restraint and adopt a proportionate and just approach in dealing with such matters.
It also urged authorities to refrain from punitive actions that undermine journalistic work, media freedom and the wider safety and professional security of journalists.
Earlier, Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department director Comm Datuk M. Kumar confirmed that Tan has been released from police custody.
He said police released him after taking his statement and seized his phone to assist investigations.
The arrest followed a sensitive question, alleged to contain racial elements, that was raised during a public lecture in Kuala Lumpur.
On Friday (Jan 16), media reports said Tan had resigned from FMT, a day after he apologised on Thursday (Jan 15) over the question he posed during the lecture, which sparked controversy.
