Former Free Malaysia Today (FMT) journalist Rex Tan was released at 1.15 pm today following his arrest after midnight.
His lawyer, Rajsurian Pillai, confirmed the release to the New Straits Times after Tan was summoned and subsequently detained at the Dang Wangi district police headquarters to assist in investigations.
Earlier, Federal Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Director M. Kumar issued a statement confirming that the Classified Crimes Investigation Unit (USJT) from Bukit Aman is investigating a viral video of Tan posing a question to British politician George Galloway.
The police have received three reports regarding the incident, which occurred during a public lecture on January 12, reflecting high public concern over the racial elements of the question.
According to police, the 30-year-old local man was arrested by the USJT team around midnight on January 17 to assist in the case. The investigation is being conducted under Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act 1948, Section 505(c) of the Penal Code for inciting public fear, and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 for improper use of network facilities.
Kumar emphasized that the police will take uncompromising action against any individual suspected of inciting social hostility.
He advised the public to remain rational and responsible when sharing content or making statements in public or on social media.
Tan had officially resigned from FMT and issued a public apology prior to his arrest.
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