LETTER | Aliran calls on the “Madani” government to cease the ongoing police investigation of B Nantha Kumar, a senior Malaysiakini journalist, stemming from his reporting of a purported government proposal for a new digital system to manage migrant workers.

The probe is being conducted under Section 203A of the Penal Code, which criminalises unauthorised disclosure of information, and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act for improper use of network facilities or services.

Police also raided Nantha’s home, which his colleagues and press freedom advocates have described as an act of intimidation.

It is deeply disturbing to learn that the investigation was triggered after the Human Resources Ministry filed a police report over Nantha’s reporting. Bear in mind that Malaysiakini had reportedly sought comment from the ministry before publication.

In other words, the ministry refused to exercise its right of reply, which is standard practice in journalism as a way of striving for fairness and balance.

But keeping mum and then reporting to the police does nothing to enlighten the public.

In fact, it sets the rumour mill into overdrive. The proposed digital system for migrant workers - believed to be called the Universal Recruitment Advanced Platform or Turap - is a matter of public interest and concern.

Allegations of corruption and exploitation by syndicates within the migrant worker recruitment system are serious issues that demand proper investigation and independent media reporting.

The stakes are high. The migrant worker recruitment system in Malaysia has long been mired in high costs, poor worker welfare, and concerns over rent-seeking. This is precisely the kind of issue that journalists should scrutinise on behalf of the public.

Equally disturbing, such a probe criminalises journalism and undermines a journalist’s duty to cover a story of such public magnitude.

The investigation and raid on Nantha’s home will, no doubt, have a chilling effect on other journalists who conscientiously carry out their work.

Such actions are an assault on press freedom and democracy. Is it any wonder that Malaysia’s press freedom ranking has dropped seven rungs to 95th place in the latest World Press Freedom Index ranking released by Reporters Without Borders?

Censorship violates the transparency and accountability that the government professes to cherish.

We urge the government not to resort to using its old, dangerous playbook when confronted with public anxiety and criticism.

Journalism is not a crime. Let Nantha do his job.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.