Argentinian Journalist Julia Mengolini Prepares Legal Challenge Against President Milei After Deepfake Assault
January 17, 2026
Press Freedom Groups Demand Legal Transparency After FBI Raid on Washington Post Reporter’s Home
January 17, 2026
January 17, 2026 – Malaysia –
Rex Tan, a former reporter for the Malaysian news outlet Free Malaysia Today (FMT), was arrested under Malaysia’s Sedition Act 1948 on January 17, 2026, after posing a contentious question at a public lecture in Kuala Lumpur that many perceived to contain racial implications. Police summoned Tan to the Dang Wangi district police headquarters around midnight, and he was detained under Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act and Section 505(c) of the Penal Code—provisions linked to statements that could provoke public alarm or fear. Authorities are continuing an investigation into the matter.
The controversy stemmed from a public forum on January 12 titled “Gaza Exposes the Complicity of International Actors”, which featured British politician George Galloway. During a question-and-answer session, Tan asked a question that referenced local racial issues in relation to the situation in Gaza, leading to widespread criticism on social media and a string of police reports. Videos circulated online showing the exchange, and three separate police complaints were lodged against him.
Following criticism of his remarks, Tan issued a public apology, acknowledging that his question was “poorly constructed” and had failed to consider the sensitivity of the subject matter. He also resigned from FMT before his arrest, stating that he regretted mentioning references that could offend communities and clarifying that he had not intended to draw direct comparisons between the experiences of Chinese Malaysians and Palestinians.
Tan’s detention drew prompt response from press freedom advocates and media organisations within Malaysia. The Malaysian Media Council condemned the arrest and subsequent legal action as potentially punitive and excessive, urging authorities to exercise restraint and safeguard journalists’ professional freedom. The Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ) also criticised the arrest as heavy-handed, warning that such enforcement could deter journalists from engaging in critical discourse and create a chilling effect on media operations.
After spending less than a day in custody, Tan was released on police bail later on January 17 once his statement was recorded, though his mobile phone was retained as part of the ongoing investigation. Authorities had initially sought a longer remand, but a magistrate granted only one day. Discussions over the legal and professional implications of the arrest continue in Malaysia’s public sphere, especially regarding the balance between sedition laws and press freedom.
Reference –
