Murray Hunter S Bangkok Arrest For Defaming Mcmc Sets Vicious Asean Cross Border Repression Precedent

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I WAS shocked when I was informed by political commentator Murray Hunter that he had been detained by the Thai police at Bangkok Airport on his way to Hong Kong.

Apparently, he was arrested, detained and later released on bail for allegedly defaming the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).
It is bizarre that Hunter was arrested and charged in Thailand for an alleged offence committed in Malaysia.
Such an arrest of the former academician and researcher who disseminates critical information about the region – particularly Malaysia – signals an ominous trend of regional cooperation in suppressing media freedom.
In Malaysia, the Pakatan Harapan (PH)-led coalition headed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has become the most repressive government in comparison to its predecessors.

Close scrutiny on media outlets
The MCMC is now being weaponised to silence media outlets that dare to criticise the Madani government.
Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil who plays the role of Anwar’s cheerleader is tasked with going after critical media both at home and abroad.
In the country, the MCMC not only monitors media closely but also keeps tabs on postings across social media platforms in the likes of Facebook (FB), WhatsApp, TikTok, X and Instagram, among others.
Even my own FB account appears to have a restricted reach. As a result of constantly be subjected to scrutiny, the local media are practising self-censorship to avoid ruffling the feathers of the power that be.
Prof Ramasamy PalanisamyGiven that critical articles stand no chance of being published, many analysts have turned to figures like Hunter to provide space for their writings.
I, too, publish critical pieces on Malaysian politics almost daily. When the local media refuse to touch them, I can always count on Hunter.

In the past few years, Hunter has risen to prominence across the region. His online publications have attracted wide readership, often surpassing that of traditional Malaysian outlets.
Blow to regional media freedom
It is therefore unsurprising that the Malaysian government is targeting him through the MCMC.
If the government believes that he has committed a crime, then he should be charged in Malaysia – not arrested in Thailand where he is residing – for something that allegedly happened here.
Hunter’s arrest suggests that Malaysia is pressuring other ASEAN countries to act against voices critical of the regime.
Malaysian real estate

The Malaysian authorities have long been monitoring Hunter’s work. It was only a matter of time before they secured Thailand’s cooperation to clamp down on him.
The so-called Madani government simply cannot stomach the truth that Hunter brings to light. He is not merely a journalist but also a former academic who has taught in both Thailand and Malaysia.

His publications are built on research and analysis, making them a crucial source of insight for investors and others seeking firsthand information about the region.
Hunter’s arrest is not just about him – it is about the shrinking space for media freedom in Malaysia and a dangerous precedent of cross-border repression in ASEAN. 
Former DAP stalwart and Penang deputy chief minister II Prof Ramasamy Palanisamy is chairman of the United Rights of Malaysian Party (Urimai) interim council.
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of  MMKtT.
- Focus Malaysia.

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