Journalist Arrested For Allegedly Raising Racial Issue

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 17 (Bernama) -- Police have detained a Free Malaysia Today (FMT) journalist to assist in investigations into the circulation of a video showing him allegedly raising racial issues in Malaysia during a public lecture on Palestine.

Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department director Datuk M. Kumar said the 30-year-old suspect was arrested by a team of police officers from the Classified Criminal Investigation Unit (USJT), D5 Division, at about midnight last night.

He said the investigation was initiated following a question posed by the journalist to United Kingdom politician George Galloway during the forum here on Jan 12, which was suspected to contain elements of racism and incitement.

“In the session, the journalist raised a question on the Palestinian issue by comparing it with racial conditions in Malaysia.

“So far, three police reports have been received in connection with the same issue, reflecting public concern over the incident,” he said in a statement here today.

Kumar said the case is being investigated under Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act 1948, Section 505(c) of the Penal Code and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.

He stressed that police will take firm action without compromise against any individual believed to be inciting hatred or enmity within the community.

He also advised the public to always exercise prudence and responsibility when making statements or sharing content in public spaces or on social media in order to preserve public order.

Yesterday, the journalist issued a public apology over his actions and expressed deep regret over the poorly framed question, acknowledging that it was less relevant to the event and failed to take into account the sensitivity of the topic.

He specifically apologised for mentioning the Chinese and Malay communities in the question, stressing that such references were unnecessary and should have been avoided. The question he posed at the public lecture drew widespread criticism on social media.

According to media reports, he has resigned from FMT, a day after making the apology.

Meanwhile, the lawyer representing the journalist, Rajsurian Pillai, said his client was remanded for one day and is expected to be released this afternoon after he has finished giving his statement.

When contacted by Bernama later, Kumar confirmed that the journalist was released on police bail at about 1.15 pm today. 

“The suspect was released on police bail after his statement was recorded and his mobile phone was seized to assist in the investigation,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Malaysian Media Council urged the police to adopt a proportionate and just approach in addressing such matters and refrain from punitive actions that undermine journalistic work and media freedom.

In a statement, it said the journalist has publicly apologised and resigned from FMT, and also expressed his willingness to fully cooperate with the ongoing police investigation.

-- BERNAMA