A MeToo moment, Malaysia? Defamation charge against South China Morning Post reporter Tashny Sukumaran withdrawn
- Malaysia’s attorney general withdraws criminal defamation charge against journalist Tashny Sukumaran
- Reporter had tweeted about inappropriate physical contact during an exam by a dermatologist
Attorney General Tommy Thomas told The Malaysian Insight on Tuesday that the defamation charge over a series of tweets last year, alleging inappropriate physical contact during a medical examination, had been withdrawn.
“I feel vindicated that the [attorney general] has decided not to use this archaic section of the penal code against me,” said Sukumaran.
She said it was unfortunate that women’s complaints on sexual harassment were often “dismissed or perceived as defamatory”.
“I also urge the government to look into the fault-lines of our criminal justice system and create a safe space for women to speak out on issues impacting us,” she said.
The Post’s Deputy Executive Editor Zuraidah Ibrahim said: “Tashny should not have had to suffer this ordeal. We are glad that common sense has prevailed.”
“Soon after, he threatened to sue me unless I deleted my Twitter thread. He did the same to another person who had come forward – a standard scare tactic used by those who think they can bully survivors into silence,” Sukumaran tweeted.
“I refused, and told him I would see him in court. I have not heard from his lawyers on this front since. He also filed a police report accusing me of criminal defamation,” tweeted Sukumaran.
Earlier this week, Sukumaran had been notified that she would be charged in court on Wednesday.
