A journalist from Bangladesh who survived an alleged abduction attempt here, which has since led to the suspension of at least one police officer, has urged fellow media colleagues to remain steadfast in their duties.
The journalist in his 30s believed that the motive for his alleged abduction was linked to his work, and he cited safety concerns to conceal his identity.
Speaking to Malaysiakini several weeks after he was "kidnapped and tortured" for ransom, Asa (not his real name) thanked Kuala Lumpur police chief Allaudeen Abdul Majid who yesterday confirmed the suspension of one of three Special Branch officers allegedly involved in the matter.
Allaudeen reportedly said two other suspects could face the same action, depending on the outcome of investigations.
"The Malaysian government, how they are helping me, police arrested everyone [sic] This I'm very happy, thank you," said the correspondent for a Dhaka-based news network.
Asa further insisted there could be "hidden hands" involved in his attempted abduction.
"Foreigners use Malaysian people to commit crimes. Maybe police or other locals. This, the police must follow up.
"Foreigners use them (police) and they (police) get punishment, but the foreigners are still out," he added.
"Who is the planner of the kidnappings? They just use the Malaysian police, and Malaysian people. I believe that," he said.
Fearful but undeterred
Asa reiterated his belief that the alleged abduction attempt was linked to his work as a journalist, particularly reporting on Bangladeshi migrant workers.
"I report on financial crime matters, human trafficking and money laundering issues.
"I'm still working here, but these days I'm scared," he said.
At the same time, Asa also advised journalists to take extra precautions when sharing information with their sources and avoid being caught in a dangerous situation.
It was previously reported that three local men identifying themselves as police allegedly approached Asa at his home in Putrajaya on Nov 7.
They told him that he needed to assist them on a case that the latter was allegedly involved in.
Asa was then reportedly abducted and kept in a house in Klang, Selangor, for three days.
While he was held captive, he was purportedly beaten, caned, kicked in the abdomen and had his hands slashed by men who demanded RM1.9 million in ransom for his release.
According to News Straits Times, Asa had negotiated with his aggressors who eventually released him after three days in captivity. - Mkini
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