Media group criticizes late-night arrest of ex-FMT journalist under Sedition Act

PETALING JAYA, Jan 17 — Gerakan Media Merdeka (Geramm) has criticized the arrest of former Free Malaysia Today (FMT) journalist Rex Tan under the Sedition Act, questioning the necessity of the late-night detention.

Tan was arrested after midnight under Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act, which criminalizes acts with seditious tendencies.

Geramm, a media freedom advocacy group, expressed concern over the timing and circumstances of the arrest.

"There was no need to arrest Rex Tan after midnight," Geramm said in a statement.

The group argued that such actions could intimidate journalists and undermine press freedom in Malaysia.

Details about the specific allegations against Tan or the exact time of arrest were not immediately available.

Sedition Act arrests in Malaysia have drawn criticism from human rights groups for potentially stifling free speech.

Geramm has previously campaigned for legal reforms to protect media workers from harassment.

The case highlights ongoing tensions between authorities and the press over freedom of expression issues.

Further updates are expected as the investigation proceeds.