Journo’s arrest in Kulim ‘deeply troubling’, says ex-MP

 Charles Santiago says journalists play a critical role in documenting realities that are often deliberately obscured, particularly when it comes to vulnerable communities.

Former Klang MP Charles Santiago said it is imperative that authorities act with restraint and uphold both the letter and the spirit of constitutional protections for freedom of expression.

PETALING JAYA:

 Former Klang MP Charles Santiago has criticised the arrest of journalist S Kalidas for alleged trespass at a factory construction site in the Kulim Hi-Tech Park last Wednesday, describing it as “deeply troubling”.

Santiago said journalists played a critical role in documenting realities that are often deliberately obscured, particularly when it comes to vulnerable communities.

“To detain a reporter in the course of his work sends a chilling message, not only to media practitioners but to the public, whose right to information is ultimately what is at stake,” he said in a statement.

Kalidas, a journalist from Tamil news portal Thinathanti, was reportedly detained by police at the Kulim police headquarters in connection with alleged trespass while covering issues related to undocumented migrants.

Kedah police chief Adzli Abu Shah confirmed the arrest of 10 men, including a journalist, for allegedly forcing their way into the factory site which is under construction.

He said the group was dissatisfied and questioned the hiring of foreign workers when many locals were eligible for jobs there.

Santiago said it was imperative that authorities act with restraint and uphold both the letter and the spirit of constitutional protections for freedom of expression.

He said Kalidas’s immediate release would be a necessary first step towards restoring confidence in the law.

“Beyond that, there must be a serious reckoning with how laws are applied in cases involving journalists,” he said.

Yesterday, the Malaysian Media Council said it viewed the journalist’s arrest seriously, and that journalistic work – including being present at the scene, making observations, and gathering information – was important in reporting on matters of public interest.

“As such, the interpretation of ‘trespass’ in the context of news coverage must be carefully clarified to avoid criminalising the work of journalists,” it said.

The council also said that any action taken against journalists must be strictly assessed based on the principles of necessity and proportionality.

It said that any investigation process must be conducted in a transparent and professional manner, while respecting journalists’ right to perform their duties without undue interference or pressure. - FMT