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 Defamation charge against South China Morning Post reporter Tashny Sukumaran withdrawn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

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Some see the case against Tashny Sukumaran as a MeToo moment for Malaysia. Photo: Shutterstock

Published: 11:00pm, 14 Jan 2020Updated: 12:49am, 15 Jan 2020

Malaysia’s attorney general has withdrawn a criminal defamation charge against the South China Morning Post journalist Tashny Sukumaran, who tweeted about her experience of alleged sexual harassment by a male dermatologist in what some see as a MeToo moment for Malaysia.

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over a series of tweets last year, alleging inappropriate physical contact during a medical examination, had been withdrawn.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.

“Whilst I am relieved that I will not be charged in court, this episode has nevertheless created a chilling effect on similarly placed women who have spoken out or are thinking of speaking out against sexual harassment,” she said.

South China Morning Post journalist Tashny Sukumaran. Photo: Tory Ho

She said it was unfortunate that women’s complaints on sexual harassment were often “dismissed or perceived as defamatory”.