KUALA LUMPUR (April 3): The Malaysian Bar on Friday chastised the arrest and investigation of journalists for performing their duties, saying it is incompatible with the rule of law.

In a statement, Malaysian Bar president Anand Raj expressed shock over the reported arrest of news portal journalist Kalidas Subramaniam and the investigation of Malaysiakini and its senior journalist B Nantha Kumar in connection with their reporting on two separate migrant worker issues.

He stressed that the media, as “the fourth estate, must remain free from fear or favour, and report fairly at all times.”

Anand Raj noted that Malaysia ranks 88th on the World Press Freedom Index, a standing he described as “a source of great concern”, with Reporters Without Borders classifying the local media landscape as being in a “problematic situation”.

He reiterated the Bar’s call for Malaysia to ratify the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), in line with the country’s commitment to uphold fundamental liberties and the rule of law.

“A free media is indispensable to democracy and a crucial prerequisite for the rule of law,” he said.

Online news outlet Malaysiakini has reported that it is being investigated by the police over an article concerning a proposed migrant worker recruitment system, with Nantha Kumar being called in to give a statement.

The investigation is being conducted under Section 203A of the Penal Code for unauthorised disclosure of information and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act for misuse of social networks.

Separately, Kalidas Subramaniam, a journalist from Tamil news portal Thinathanti, was reported to have been detained by police at the Kulim district police headquarters in connection with alleged trespassing while covering issues related to undocumented migrants.