Press groups call for fair treatment of Mkini journo under MACC probe

Summary

• Press group Gerakan Media Merdeka is closely monitoring the arrest of Malaysiakini journalist B Nantha Kumar and urges for fair treatment for the reporter.

• The National Union of Journalists Malaysia similarly urges the MACC to be fair in its investigation.

Gerakan Media Merdeka (Geramm) has called for a Malaysiakini journalist under MACC custody to be accorded fair treatment, including access to legal representation.

The media advocacy group said it is aware that MACC arrested B Nantha Kumar last night for allegedly receiving an RM20,000 bribe from an agent that deals with migrant workers.

“We are closely monitoring the situation and remain committed to advocating for press freedom and the rights of media practitioners.

“At this time, we refrain from commenting on the specifics of the case and will wait for the investigation to run its course.

“However, we continue to stand in defence of all press personnel and insist that the journalist under investigation be accorded fair treatment, including access to legal representation, in accordance with the principles of justice and due process,” said Geramm in a statement on Facebook.

Separately, the National Union of Journalists Malaysia (NUJM) also noted the arrest and detention of its member from the NUJM-Malaysiakini branch.

“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,” said NUJM general secretary Teh Athira Yusof.

READ MORE | Bribe allegation: This is my story

NUJ-Malaysiakini echoed the main union body’s statement, reiterating respect for due process under the law and ongoing investigations.

“At the same time, NUJ-Malaysiakini wishes to remind all parties on the principle of innocent until proven guilty.

“We hope all parties can allow room for transparent investigations, and for the journalist to defend himself,” said NUJ-Malaysiakini in a statement.

Meanwhile, Gabungan Kelab Media Malaysia (GKMM) demanded a transparent investigation into the matter.

The coalition of media clubs also recommended that media practitioners provide their full cooperation with the authorities for justice to be upheld.

MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki said earlier that the journalist allegedly solicited RM100,000 from the agent in exchange for not publishing two articles concerning the agent.

Azam claimed the amount was eventually reduced to RM20,000.

“The agent lodged a report with MACC, after which we carried out what is called a ‘trap case’,” he said.

The Putrajaya Magistrate’s Court today granted the MACC’s request to remand Nantha for four days.

Nantha - who has served with Malaysiakini since 2018 - has written extensively recently about immigration syndicates, including those involving the Immigration Department.

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