MCA Youth deputy chief Mike Chong Yew Chuan has raised concerns over recent enforcement actions against a Malaysiakini journalist, saying these actions could have a worrying effect on media freedom.
His remarks follow a police raid on the home of Malaysiakini senior journalist B. Nantha Kumar, linked to investigations into reporting on the proposed Universal Recruitment Advanced Platform (TURAP).
TURAP is a digital system proposed to centralise and streamline the recruitment of foreign workers into Malaysia.
The initiative has drawn scrutiny from policymakers and industry stakeholders, with concerns that it may duplicate or overlap with existing and upcoming government platforms, raising questions over efficiency, transparency and market concentration.
“These developments raise serious questions about whether the actions are part of a proper investigation, or an attempt to pressure and intimidate the media,” Chong said.
Nantha had reported on a proposal by the Human Resources Ministry to adopt a foreign worker recruitment system developed by Bestinet.
Chong noted that the reports have raised legitimate public interest concerns and, to date, there has been no clear indication that they have been proven false.
“This makes the enforcement actions taken against journalists even more questionable,” he added.
The issue has also attracted political attention. Ten PKR MPs had previously issued a joint statement opposing the proposed introduction of TURAP, citing concerns over overlapping systems alongside existing and planned government platforms.
Chong said this indicates the matter extends beyond a single report.
“This raises an important question: is the focus on addressing the issue itself, or on those reporting it?” he said.
According to reports, Nantha was called in on April 1 to give a statement under Section 203A of the Penal Code for alleged unauthorised disclosure of information and under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act.
Malaysiakini co-founder and director Premesh Chandran was also called to provide a statement. On April 27, police conducted a search at Nantha’s residence.
Chong stressed that the media plays a critical role as a check on power.
“Journalists reporting on matters of public interest should not be subjected to disproportionate or intimidating actions,” he emphasised.
He added that governments committed to transparency should respond to scrutiny by addressing the issues raised, rather than appearing to target those reporting on them.
“Such actions risk creating the perception of an abuse of power and undermining public confidence,” he remarked.
Chong urged authorities to ensure enforcement measures remain proportionate while addressing public concerns surrounding the TURAP system.
“The focus must be on clarifying the truth for the public,” he said.
He also noted that this is not the first time Nantha has faced scrutiny. In August 2024, he and two other journalists were reportedly questioned over coverage related to developments within Bukit Aman.
In 2025, he was also investigated by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) over allegations involving a RM20,000 payment linked to reporting on a migrant trafficking syndicate. He has denied the allegations, and the matter remains ongoing. ‒ April 29, 2026
Main image: Bernama
