The Malaysian Media Council today said that disputes between a news source and a media organisation should first be addressed through exercising the right of reply, corrections, internal complaints channels and self-regulatory mechanisms.
In a statement, the council, as a platform set up to receive complaints and resolve disputes, said such measures should be taken rather than an immediate recourse through actions that criminalise a journalistic work, or acts that could be perceived as intimidation.
“The council respects the authority of enforcement agencies to carry out investigations.
“However, when repeated enforcement actions are taken against a journalist in relation to reporting on matters of public interest, it raises serious concerns about the chilling effect on journalistic work, particularly investigative reporting,” said the self-regulatory body.
The council also called on the police and all enforcement agencies to cease approaches that may pressure journalists in the discharge of their legitimate duties.
The statement was issued in response to a police raid yesterday on the home of Malaysiakini journalist B Nantha Kumar, who came under investigation for writing a story about the government's purported plan to adopt a new system called The Universal Recruitment Advanced Platform (Turap).
The Malaysian Media Council also noted that Nantha had previously faced action for his reporting on migrant worker syndicates, including a 2025 case that raised concerns among media groups about pressure on investigative journalism.
“Issues relating to foreign workers, the governance of recruitment systems, industry costs, and the welfare of migrant workers are matters of public interest.
“Journalists should not be treated as though they have committed a criminal offence simply for reporting on issues that may be uncomfortable to certain parties,” said the council.
“In the lead-up to World Press Freedom Day on May 3, this case serves as a reminder that commitment to media freedom cannot be expressed solely through slogans or official events.
“It must be reflected in how a country treats journalists in the course of their duties, particularly when reporting on matters of public interest,” it added.
‘Respond constructively’
Separately, Setiawangsa MP Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad reiterated concerns that the police report against Nantha was lodged by the Human Resources Ministry, which also ignored multiple attempts to seek a right of reply.
“In this context, a refusal to respond cannot be used as a reason to prevent the publication of a report, much less be followed by legal action,” said the former minister.
“The media plays a crucial role as a check and balance mechanism in a democracy.
“Any attempt to pressure or intimidate journalists through police reports or legal action will only weaken media freedom and erode public trust in state institutions,” he stressed.
MCA National Youth deputy chief Mike Chong Yew Chuan said a transparent government should respond constructively by clarifying or addressing the issues raised, not by appearing to target those reporting on them.
“Such actions (targeting journalists) risk creating the perception of an abuse of power and undermining public confidence.
“As this matter involves significant public interest, the government must address it openly and provide clear explanations.
“MCA Youth urges the government to ensure that enforcement actions remain proportionate, to safeguard the role of the media, and to focus on addressing the concerns surrounding the Turap system so that the truth can be made clear to the public,” he said in a statement.
Search warrant
Yesterday, police officers spent about 45 minutes searching Nantha’s home in Seri Serdang, Selangor.
According to Nantha, he was furnished with a search warrant stating that police had grounds to suspect his home was being used to store materials related to a proposed migrant worker recruitment system.
The warrant purported that he owned copies - both physical and material - of official documents, namely a cabinet memorandum titled "Proposal for the Implementation of the Digital System, the Universal Recruitment Advanced Platform (Turap), in the Process of Recruiting Foreign Workers to Malaysia".
The police report and raid had also earlier raised concerns among other politicians and press freedom groups. - Mkini
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