KULIM, Jan 17 — Former Free Malaysia Today (FMT) journalist Rex Tan who was arrested last night on suspicion of raising racial issues in Malaysia during a public lecture on Palestine, will be released once police have taken his statement.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said he was informed of this by Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Ismail this morning.
“I was told that the former journalist will be freed after his statement has been recorded.
“Investigation is ongoing… Once it is completed and the investigation paper has been handed over to the Attorney-General’s Chambers, any further decision is under their jurisdiction,” he said when met after the Project Mesra Rakyat Indenture handover ceremony to the contractor at Kulim Hi-Tech Park here today.
According to Saifuddin Nasution, police are only doing their duty to ensure compliance with the law, not suppressing the freedom of the community.
“When there is a complaint, police will consider further action; that is the first process. Investigation is ongoing… when he (Tan) is needed for the completion of the investigation, he will be called up at any time,” he said.
Saifuddin Nasution said he respects the freedom of speech but asserted that freedom comes with responsibility.
“The journalist was covering an event involving a United Kingdom politician… then he made a comparison of the situation in Palestine, where Israel oppresses the people of Palestine… he compared it with the treatment received by the Chinese community in Malaysia.
“The politician’s answer was also very clear, saying the comparison does not hold water, as he knows Malaysia,” he said.
Meanwhile, Saifuddin Nasution said FMT has also apologised and said Tan’s question does not reflect the agency’s position.
“The incident has gone viral and prompted various public opinions… Some were pro and some were against. Some did not agree with the former journalist being arrested on the principle of freedom of speech while others felt that he had crossed the line,” he said.
Tan was arrested at midnight yesterday to assist in investigations into the circulation of a video showing him allegedly raising racial issues in Malaysia during a public lecture on Palestine.
When contacted by Bernama later, Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department (CID) director Datuk Kumar Muthuvelu confirmed the journalist was released on police bail at about 1.15pm 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 Tan had publicly apologised and resigned from FMT, and also expressed his willingness to cooperate with the ongoing police investigation.
