Editor charged in Malaysia over 1MDB coverage on eve of huge anti-government rally
Steven Gan, the chief editor and co-founder of the Malaysiakini portal, pleads not guilty to charges relating to a press conference with prominent critic of Prime Minister Najib Razak
The chief editor of Malaysia’s leading independent news portal was charged in court on Friday over “offensive” content in a video featuring a prominent dissident, a move some observers say is aimed at intimidating the public on the eve of a huge anti-government rally.
Steven Gan, the chief editor and co-founder of the Malaysiakini portal, pleaded not guilty in a newly formed cyber court to four charges under the country’s Communication and Multimedia Act.
The video in question featured footage of a press conference with Khairuddin Abu Hassan, a former member of the ruling National Front coalition who quit his position over Prime Minister Najib Razak’s alleged role in the long-running scandal involving state-owned fund 1MDB.
Khairuddin demanded that attorney general Apandi Ali resign over his handling of the multi-billion-dollar scandal. Najib has denied wrongdoing but there has been an ongoing crackdown on his critics in recent months.
Premesh Chandran, chief executive of Malaysiakini, said the prosecution was unprecedented in the news outlet’s 17-year history.