KULIM, KEDAH, MALAYSIA January 17, 2026 – Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail has defended the police’s handling of the recent arrest of former Free Malaysia Today (FMT) journalist Rex Tan, asserting that the action was a standard investigative process and not intended to curb freedom of expression.
In a statement shared via a video on his X account earlier today, Saifuddin emphasized the MADANI government’s commitment to upholding freedom of speech while underscoring the need for responsibility. “The MADANI government always respects freedom of speech, but its basic principle is clear—freedom must be accompanied by responsibility,” he said.
The minister clarified that the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) acts as an enforcement agency dedicated to public safety, not to suppress individual rights. “When there is a complaint, it is the police’s responsibility to evaluate and conduct an initial investigation. The involved individual will be called to provide a statement and cooperate fully, in line with the established legal process,” Saifuddin explained in the video, which was recorded during a press session in Kulim, Kedah.
He further noted that upon completion of the investigation, the case file would be forwarded to the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) for further decision-making, removing the matter from police jurisdiction. This approach, according to Saifuddin, aligns with Malaysia MADANI’s aspirations for balancing freedom, responsibility, justice, and public safety without infringing on citizens’ rights.
The statement appears to respond to public outcry over Tan’s arrest, which occurred around midnight on January 17 under the Sedition Act. Tan, a 30-year-old former FMT reporter, was detained following allegations of racial remarks made during a question-and-answer session at a public lecture on the Gaza conflict. Police confirmed the detention, stating it was to assist investigations based on multiple complaints received.
Saifuddin later confirmed during an event in Kulim, Kedah, that Tan would be released after his statement was recorded, a development that occurred around 1:15 PM today, as reported by his lawyer. The minister acknowledged the arrest had sparked various opinions and criticisms but maintained that police must act on reports received. He also pointed out that FMT had issued an apology regarding the incident, indicating the outlet’s stance differed from Tan’s.
This incident marks one of the first sedition cases in 2026 involving a civilian not related to royal matters, drawing attention to ongoing debates on freedom of speech under the Sedition Act. Critics, including politicians like Zaid Ibrahim and Lim Lip Eng have condemned the arrest as an overreach, while supporters of the government’s position argue it upholds public order.
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