Malaysian journalist arrested for allegedly soliciting, receiving $6,000 bribe

KUALA LUMPUR - A Malaysiakini journalist was arrested by graft busters on Feb 28 for allegedly receiving a bribe from an agent that deals with foreign workers in return for not publishing two news articles about the agent’s activities.

Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner Azam Baki told the news portal on March 1 that journalist B. Nantha Kumar was arrested for allegedly receiving a bribe of RM20,000 (S$6,056) from the agent.

According to Tan Sri Azam, the journalist had allegedly solicited RM100,000 from the agent in exchange for not publishing two articles concerning the agent. The amount was eventually reduced to RM20,000, he said.

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

Subsequently, the agent met the journalist at Concorde Hotel in Shah Alam, Selangor, where the cash was handed over to the journalist.

“MACC officers arrested the journalist on the spot with the RM20,000,” Mr Azam said.

He said that Mr Nantha, who has been remanded for four days, is being investigated for soliciting and receiving bribes under Section 16(a)(a) of the MACC Act 2009.

Speaking to Malaysiakini, Mr Azam denied that the journalist was arrested because of the news portal’s recent article exposing a migrant trafficking cartel.

Mr Nantha, who joined Malaysiakini in 2018, has written extensively about immigration syndicates, including those involving the Immigration Department.

Malaysiakini’s executive editor R.K. Anand and managing editor Ng Ling Fong expressed their shock over the allegations against its journalist, saying: “Nantha is a seasoned journalist who has been at the forefront of uncovering numerous scandals. He has consistently demonstrated dedication and courage in pursuing these stories, often at great personal risk.”

The news portal said it does not tolerate any wrongdoing, but will take all necessary steps to assist its journalist in the process.

Mr Nantha’s lawyer Rajsurian Pillai said he has spoken to his client, who has given him an account of the events that transpired on Feb 28.

“I prefer not to reveal more details at present as the matter is still under investigation. If he is charged, we will defend it in court.

“For now, let MACC complete their investigation,” he added.

While it is not uncommon for journalists and editors to be summoned for questioning by the Malaysian police, especially when covering sensitive issues – some have even been arrested for sedition or charged in court for criminal defamation – to date, no one has been arrested by graft busters for allegedly soliciting and receiving bribes.

Meanwhile, Gerakan Media Merdeka (Geramm), which advocates for a free and independent media, said it is closely monitoring the case

“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,” the group said in a statement on March 1.

Separately, the National Union of Journalists Malaysia (NUJM) 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 the union’s general secretary Teh Athira Yusof.

This incident will discourage journalists from seeking the truth, she said.

“We just recently witnessed the tabling of the Malaysian Media Council in Parliament, and now this move by the authorities could (further) affect Malaysia’s standing in the World Press Freedom Index. We call for a fair and just investigation (for Mr Nantha),” Ms Athira told The Straits Times.

Malaysia’s standing in the World Press Freedom Index dropped 34 places to 107th in 2024 from 73rd in 2023, according to the World Press Freedom Index 2024 report released by Reporters Without Borders.

In response to the matter, Malaysian Press Institute (MPI) president Datuk Yong Soo Heong called on journalists to safeguard public trust and uphold their integrity.

“Without trust, the credibility of the media is compromised, and people are less likely to believe or engage with the information presented, while integrity is equally crucial, as it involves adhering to ethical standards and principles, such as honesty, objectivity, and accountability,” he said in a statement issued March 1.

Mr Yong said these principles align with the values of the soon-to-be-established Malaysian Media Council.

On Feb 26, Parliament passed the Malaysian Media Council Bill, which aims to establish a media council responsible for developing and implementing ethical reporting guidelines, to ensure the public receives accurate and fair information, among other things. And Malaysia’s efforts to update the code of ethics for journalists have raised concerns that this may curb media freedom.