KUALA LUMPUR: Journalist Rex Tan, whose question at a recent lecture on the Gaza conflict drew public backlash, has been remanded for one day.
His lawyer, Rajsurian Pillai, said Tan was being investigated under Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act, Section 505 of the Penal Code for statements conducing to public mischief, and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act for misuse of network facilities.
"(Tan is) to be released today, possibly by 5pm," Rajsurian said.
Rajsurian said police had sought a four-day remand, but he objected on the grounds that Tan was not a flight risk and had been cooperating with the police.
Magistrate Farah Nabihah Muhamad Dan granted a one-day remand.
Tan, who was attached to Free Malaysia Today, has apologised over the matter and has since resigned from the news portal.
He was arrested after midnight after being summoned to the Dang Wangi police headquarters.
Media group Gerakan Media Merdeka (Geramm) said Tan's arrest could have implications for free speech.
Geramm said that despite differing views on reporting and questioning, media workers should not be subjected to actions that compromise their safety, dignity or ability to work freely.
The case stems from Tan's question at a lecture titled "Gaza Exposes the Complicity of International Actors", which featured United Kingdom politician George Galloway and sparked public backlash.
Tan has expressed regret over what he described as a poorly constructed question that touched on race and was widely criticised as insensitive.
He said he did not intend to provoke any community, including Malays, Chinese or Palestinians, and apologised for the tension caused among Malaysians. - NST
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