The Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ) and PEN Malaysia express deep concern over the recent detention of Australian-born journalist and political commentator Murray Hunter on 29 September.
Based on media reports, the Thai Police arrested Murray Hunter at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok – on the alleged basis of posting defamatory material – at the behest of the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC). Specific details of the allegation remain unclear at the present moment.
Murray Hunter was detained for 48 hours and has been released on bail. He currently awaits trial on 17 November and is allegedly charged for his criticisms of the MCMC.
Currently, we have limited access to information on the specific actions allegedly undertaken by MCMC or the government of Malaysia, beyond those reported by the media.
If indeed the Malaysian regulator was involved in Murray Hunter’s arrest, seeking a cross-border arrest for political criticism goes against the very spirit of Article 10 of the Federal Constitution of Malaysia, which protects freedom of expression, including criticism of the government.
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Although the government may refer to legal grounds under current restrictive laws, using Thai public authorities to silence dissenting speech would be an overreach of its powers and jurisdiction, and weaken constitutional guarantees.
It also raises questions of proportionality and necessity: is this a justifiable use of law enforcement and taxpayers’ money to pursue a political commentator abroad for alleged defamation against a public institution?
Even more alarmingly, Murray’s arrest sets a dangerous precedent, propagating a culture of censorship that is supported by the Asean community. Media freedom and the safety of journalists and human rights defenders are already under threat in Southeast Asia. This incident further promotes the political curbing of legitimate discourse and arbitrarily prevents criticism of the Malaysian government and our public institutions, which is bolstered by the Thai authorities.
Notably, this alleged call for arrest by MCMC denotes an increase in its powers of investigation and prosecution, further amplified by the amendments to the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 in 2024.
In 2025 alone, the MCMC has led 54 investigations – including arrests, questioning, prosecutions, detections of videos, and imposition of fines – under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
We also note that there is an alarmingly low threshold to warrant an investigation or enforcement actions by the MCMC.
Public institutions like the MCMC, funded by taxpayers, should be open to scrutiny and criticism, as a cornerstone of accountability and a fundamental principle in any democracy.
CIJ and PEN Malaysia now question to what extent the MCMC’s enforcement powers should reach.
Where are the checks and balances on the institution’s actions, particularly in the face of the regional and international community?
Who is responsible for holding the MCMC accountable when its powers are used in ways that might threaten constitutional freedoms?
How is this alleged action by the MCMC justified when taxpayers’ money is spent on silencing critics instead of addressing urgent online issues like scams, fraud, child sexual abuse, disinformation and hate speech?
We stand in solidarity with Murray Hunter, bloggers and journalists in Malaysia and across Southeast Asia, calling for their protection and safety.
We further remind the government of its electoral promise to repeal draconian legislation pertaining to censorship and the restriction of freedom of expression, including laws on criminal defamation, sedition and censorship, as well as the control of printed materials – all of which affect freedom of expression and stifle open and legitimate criticism and commentary.
We call on the government to uphold the principles of transparency and open communication. – CIJ
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