The Malaysian Media Council released a statement on Saturday (January 17) regarding the arrest and detention of journalist Rex Tan, stating that, as the individual has already publicly apologized, resigned from his position, and expressed willingness to fully cooperate with the police investigation, his detention appears unnecessary and carries a punitive nature.
The statement pointed out that this case more deeply raises serious concerns about the risks faced by media professionals: will journalists be considered as inciting or disrupting public order simply for asking questions at public forums? Similar incidents highlight that Malaysian journalists are facing increasing professional and legal risks in carrying out their routine news duties, including being investigated, detained, and subjected to other punitive measures.
The Media Council emphasized that such risks not only place significant psychological and professional pressure on journalists but also undermine their ability to perform their duties freely and safely. Taking heavy-handed and punitive actions against journalists will create a chilling effect on the media ecosystem and public discourse, and damage the government's oft-repeated commitment to safeguarding freedom of expression and press freedom.
Therefore, the Media Council urges the police and government to exercise restraint, adopt an appropriate and fair approach, and avoid punitive actions that would undermine journalistic work, media freedom, and journalists' overall safety and professional security.