Migrant workers ‘cartel’: Journalist Nantha Kumar’s arrest raises disturbing concerns

The war against corruption in Malaysia must be waged relentlessly, given how this scourge has become alarmingly endemic.

Malaysiakini journalist B Nantha Kumar was arrested in the wake of an article he had written a week earlier. His article detailed how a former immigration officer, now a ‘Datuk’, had masterminded a new Pakistani cartel involved in smuggling migrant workers into Malaysia.

The ongoing investigation appears to focus on whether Nantha Kumar had accepted bribes from an agent dealing with migrant workers. These bribes were purportedly in exchange for not publishing two articles about the agent.

But an independent probe is also needed to allay suspicions that Nantha Kumar’s arrest was due to his investigative journalism.

Many are wondering whether his detention is linked to his exposé of an alleged migrant workers cartel. In his reporting, he had pointed to suspected masterminds involved in the cartel and related syndicates.

We welcome the MACC’s confirmation that it is also investigating the migrant trafficking cartel that Nantha Kumar recently exposed.

The public deserves to know whether these allegations are being properly pursued.

A thorough probe is needed into the alleged involvement of high-level civil servants in foreign worker recruitment. This is urgent as it has national security implications.

Any public officer who breaks the law should face criminal charges, not merely disciplinary action.

Genuine investigative journalists and whistleblowers must be supported, not obstructed or punished by those in power.

Nantha Kumar’s remand detention is also highly questionable, given that high-profile figures such as former Prime Minister Najib Razak were not detained during their investigations.

The journalist should be immediately released, unless compelling reasons justify continued detention. He must be treated with dignity and afforded due process. Irrespective of the outcome of the investigations, the authorities must follow up on his earlier reports. These reports had exposed alleged systemic corruption and abuse of power in the recruitment of foreign workers.

The MACC and other relevant authorities must provide regular updates to the public on the progress and status of their investigations. Failure to do so would only fuel perceptions of a cover-up. It would also be seen as a witch hunt against those who speak out.

The prime minister cannot claim ignorance or non-interference in the actions of authorities like the MACC and the police. Under the current system, they are part of his administration. As the head of this administration, the PM bears ultimate responsibility.

There must be fairness and consistency in the treatment of suspects, whether they are a former PM, a deputy PM or a journalist. All must be equal before the law.

Yet, this fundamental principle seems to remain elusive in practice.

Aliran executive committee
3 March 2025

The views expressed in Aliran's media statements and the NGO statements we have endorsed reflect Aliran's official stand. Views and opinions expressed in other pieces published here do not necessarily reflect Aliran's official position.

AGENDA RAKYAT - Lima perkara utama

1. Tegakkan maruah serta kualiti kehidupan rakyat
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3. Raikan kerencaman dan keterangkuman
4. Selamatkan demokrasi dan angkatkan keluhuran undang-undang
5. Lawan rasuah dan kronisme

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