Malaysian Journalist Under Police Investigation Added To Intl Info Hero List

Credit: Twitter/RSF

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Journalist Tashny Sukumaran was added to a list of 30 “information heroes” for her report on the arrests of migrants in Malaysia and the charges against her by authorities.

What you need to know: Malaysian journalist Tashny Sukumaran writing for Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post was added to the list managed by Reporters Without Borders (RSF). On 1 May, Tashny wrote an article that detailed the arrests of hundreds of migrant workers and refugees in KL’s “red zones”. Now, she is facing a possible two-year jail sentence.

Why It Matters: The police investigated Tashny Sukumaran under Section 504 of the Penal Code (for “intentional insult with intent to provoke a breach of the peace”) and under Section 233 of the 1998 Communications and Multimedia Act (for “improper use of network facilities or network service”) for her tweets and article on the arrests. Many have cited this as a threat to the freedom of the press in Malaysia, especially ironic as the investigation was opened on World Press Freedom Day.

Who said what: Communications and Multimedia Minister Saifuddin Abdullah had said that he would ask authorities to not act against Tashny Sukumaran on May 3.

I hv stated to TV3 this morning that I hv directed MCMC to not act against u. I may not like ur piece but I will defend ur right to write it. Yesterday @DGHisham has clarified d issues u raised – this is d way to do it, ie clarify & explain. https://t.co/rvJtTyVpXU
— Saifuddin Abdullah (@saifuddinabd) May 3, 2020

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Anne Dorall

Anne is an advocate of sustainable living and the circular economy, and has managed to mum-nag the team into using reusable containers to tapau food. She is also a proud parent of 4 cats and 1 rabbit.