KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 3 — The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) today said political commentator Murray Hunter was arrested in Bangkok last month for failing to cooperate with Thai authorities in an ongoing investigation initiated by the commission.
Hunter, an Australian citizen, was detained by Thai immigration at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport on Sept 29 as he was about to depart for Hong Kong.
He was arrested under a warrant issued by a Bangkok court, jailed overnight, and later released on bail pending a future court appearance.
In a statement, MCMC confirmed it had lodged police reports against Hunter in both Malaysia and Thailand in April and June of last year regarding his publications about Malaysian institutions, including the commission itself, Free Malaysia Today reported.
A separate civil suit was also filed in Malaysia, with the legal papers served on him in Thailand.
MCMC said it understood that Hunter’s recent arrest was directly linked to his non-compliance with summonses issued by Thai authorities as part of their investigation.
“All matters relating to the arrest, potential offences, and possible charges fall under the jurisdiction of the Thai authorities,” MCMC stated.
“MCMC respects, and will abide by, the due process and decisions of the Thai justice system.”
