Former FMT Journalist Rex Tan Questioned Overnight, Released On Bail Over Gaza Talk Question

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Former Free Malaysia Today (FMT) journalist Rex Tan was released on police bail this afternoon (Jan 17) after his statement was recorded overnight in connection with a sedition investigation.

Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department (CID) director Commissioner Datuk M Kumar confirmed that Tan was released on police bail after giving his statement to investigators.

“We have also seized his mobile phone to assist with the investigation,” he told the media.

Tan’s lawyer, Rajsurian Pillai, said his client was released at around 1.15 pm.

Police also seized Tan’s phone as part of the probe.

Video Circulated Online, Three Reports Filed

Police opened an investigation into Tan after he posed a question at a public talk in Kuala Lumpur on 12 January featuring British politician George Galloway.

The event was titled “Gaza Exposes the Complicity of International Actors”.

Tan’s question, which compared racial issues in Malaysia to the Palestinian situation, was recorded on video and circulated online.

According to Kumar, three police reports were filed over the incident, reflecting public concern about Tan’s remarks.

Meanwhile, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution confirmed that Tan’s arrest followed due process and emphasised the importance of respecting freedom of speech.

@ohmalaysiamedia Tindakan menahan Rex Tan susulan laporan polis yang diterima – Saifuddin #trendingnewsmalaysia #beritaditiktok #fyp #fmtnews #polis ♬ original sound – Oh Malaysia Media

Investigated Under Sedition, Communications Laws

The case is being investigated under three laws:

  • Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act 1948
  • Section 505(c) of the Penal Code, which deals with statements that could cause public mischief
  • Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, which covers improper use of network facilities

The investigation is being handled by the Classified Criminal Investigation Unit (USJT) under the D5 Division of Bukit Aman’s CID.

No charges have been filed against Tan at this stage.

Some Malaysians have expressed their opinions on the arrest of journalist Rex Tan, including lawyer and activist Siti Kassim, who said there was no need for such action.

@sitizkasim

THE ARREST OF REX TAN AND THE USE OF THE DRACONIAN LAW THE SEDITION ACT. PLEASE SEE THE FULL VIDEO HERE: https://youtu.be/osgl6vp57hs

♬ original sound – Siti Kasim

READ MORE: FMT Journalist Apologises For Gaza Lecture Question, Clarifies What Was Said

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Former FMT Journalist Rex Tan Questioned Overnight, Released On Bail Over Gaza Talk Question
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