Reporter arrested instead of the offender (source: Malaysiakini)

Malaysiakini (http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/89602) reported today that the Sin Chew Daily journalist Tan Hoon Cheng has been arrested today under the ISA at 8.30pm.

The UMNO chieftain Ahmad Ismail made the offensive racial remarks during the Permatang Pauh by-elections. In his subsequent press conferences, not only did he not apologise for his remarks but he made further disparaging remarks with frightening belligerence. His supporters even tore the photograph of the previous CM, Koh Tsu Koon. Was he arrested for his remarks which some would consider a threat to security? No, instead he was only handed down a suspension from UMNO for 3 years.

Now, who has been arrested instead? The journalist who reported what Ahmad Ismail said during the by-elections! What she heard has been confirmed by other journalists who were present. She was merely doing her job as a reporter. What twisted logic on the part of the authorities can result in the arrest of the reporter but not the offender? Is there a rule of law in this country or are we descending into a police state?

Release Ms Tan Hoon Cheng immediately.

Say NO to the ISA!