Human rights and media advocacy groups have condemned Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail’s justification for journalist Rex Tan’s arrest, which they described as “intimidation tactics” by the authorities, and a "disingenuous framing of state power”.

Speaking to Malaysiakini, the groups expressed serious concern over Saifuddin’s explanation that the police actions in Tan’s arrest were not an act of suppression, but merely “due process” to ensure compliance with the law.