Malaysiakini journalist arrested for allegedly soliciting, receiving bribe

Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission chief Azam Baki has confirmed that Malaysiakini journalist B Nantha Kumar was arrested last night for allegedly receiving a bribe from a foreign workers’ agent.

Speaking to Malaysiakini, Azam denied that the journalist was arrested because of the news portal’s recent article about a foreign worker trafficking cartel.

Azam said Nantha had allegedly solicited RM100,000 from the agent in exchange for not publishing two articles about him, with the sum eventually reduced to RM20,000.

The agent lodged a report with MACC, after which the anti-graft agency carried out a “trap-case”, said Azam.