Exposing Social Injustice Under Malaysia’s Lockdown
What we did not expect was the vicious online backlash and the authorities’ actions to target our programme as part of a broader crackdown on media freedom in Malaysia. The virus, it seemed, was not the only thing journalists had to fear in Malaysia. After “Locked Up in Malaysia’s Lockdown” was broadcast, seven 101 East team members became the subjects of a criminal investigation. Forced to undergo police questioning, the crew was investigated for sedition, defamation and violation of Malaysia’s Communications and Multimedia Act, offences which carry jail terms and fines. Al Jazeera’s Kuala Lumpur bureau was raided by the police and two computers were seized as part of the police investigation. Authorities refused to renew the work visas of reporter Drew Ambrose and producer Jenni Henderson, effectively forcing them to leave Malaysia. The crew also received death threats and were subject to sustained trolling online. It was not just our crew who were targeted in this crackdown on free speech.
101 East has a proven track record in covering issues affecting this vulnerable population, who are essential to the country’s economy yet often victims of exploitation. We obtained footage of the raids, which took place largely out of public view, and gathered previously unheard testimony from migrants who accused the authorities of misconduct and abuse while in custody. We were well prepared for the unique challenges involved in reporting during a pandemic.
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