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March 07, 2025 – Malaysia –
Malaysian journalist B. Nantha Kumar was arrested by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) on allegations of soliciting and receiving a bribe of RM20,000 (approximately $6,000) from a foreign worker agent. The agent claimed that Kumar had demanded RM100,000 to halt the publication of two articles concerning a migrant smuggling syndicate, which was later reduced to RM20,000. The agent reported the matter to the MACC, leading to a sting operation where Kumar was arrested at a hotel in Shah Alam after allegedly accepting the bribe.
Kumar, a seasoned investigative journalist with Malaysiakini, has denied the allegations, stating that he did not solicit the bribe. He contends that the money was intended as evidence to expose the agent’s illegal activities and that he had planned to surrender it to authorities. In a statement published by Malaysiakini, Kumar emphasized that his arrest was a result of a botched sting operation and not a reflection of his journalistic integrity.
Following his arrest, Kumar was remanded for four days before being released on bail. Malaysiakini has launched an internal investigation into the matter and has expressed strong support for Kumar, highlighting his dedication to uncovering corruption and syndicates linked to migrant workers.
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and the National Union of Journalists Malaysia (NUJM) have expressed concern over the arrest, urging for a transparent investigation and cautioning against the use of anti-corruption laws to suppress press freedom.
As of now, the investigation is ongoing, and Kumar faces potential charges under Section 16(a)(A) of the MACC Act 2009, which addresses the offense of soliciting or receiving bribes. If convicted, he could face up to 20 years in prison and a fine of RM10,000 or five times the value of the bribe, whichever is higher.
The case has raised significant concerns about press freedom in Malaysia, especially following the country’s drop in the 2024 Reporters Without Borders press freedom index. Critics argue that the timing of the arrest, shortly after Kumar’s investigative reporting on migrant trafficking, suggests a possible attempt to intimidate journalists and suppress critical reporting.
The outcome of this case could have profound implications for press freedom and the protection of journalists in Malaysia. It underscores the challenges faced by media professionals in the country and the need for safeguards to ensure that anti-corruption measures are not misused to target the press.
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