M'sia NGO urges support for Clare Rewcastle-Brown after US$110K defamation ruling

MALAYSIA: ENGAGE, a Malaysian civil society group, has expressed profound disappointment over the Federal Court's recent decision to uphold a RM300,000 (approximately US$72,771 ) defamation judgment against Clare Rewcastle-Brown, the investigative journalist known for her pivotal role in exposing the 1MDB scandal.

The court's ruling, delivered on 10 September, held Rewcastle-Brown liable for defamation due to a mistaken identity error that had since been rectified, casting a shadow on the safety of investigative journalism in Malaysia.

In light of this ruling, ENGAGE emphasised the broader implications for journalists seeking to expose corruption.

“This decision sends a chilling message to investigative journalists who exposes corruption that they will not be protected in Malaysia,” the group stated.

As part of the ruling, Rewcastle-Brown and two local businesses—Gerakbudaya and Vinlee Press—are now responsible for a total payment of RM455,400 (US$110,439), which includes RM300,000 in damages and RM135,000 costs and other incidentals (taxes and interests).

ENGAGE also shared a video message from Rewcastle-Brown on its Facebook page.

In the video, Rewcastle-Brown reiterated her disappointment that despite correcting the error six years ago, the court ruled that she and the two publishers must pay damages to the Sultanah.

She expressed her gratitude to ENGAGE, the Centre for Independent Journalism, and numerous other groups that support freedom of expression for their efforts in raising funds to help cover these fines.

To date, approximately RM305,667 has been raised through donations in the UK and through ENGAGE's Freedom Fund 2.0, leaving a shortfall of RM149,733, rounded up to RM150,000.

ENGAGE has issued a rallying cry to the Malaysian public to show solidarity with Rewcastle-Brown and the local businesses affected by this ruling.

The organization highlighted the significance of Rewcastle-Brown's investigative work, particularly her book, The Sarawak Report: The Inside Story of the 1MDB Exposé, which detailed the massive corruption scheme involving former Prime Minister Najib Razak and fugitive financier Jho Low, ultimately leading to the latter's downfall and incarceration.

ENGAGE plans to keep the public updated on the fundraising efforts through their Facebook page and encourages potential donors to verify the information via Clare's blog.

In closing, ENGAGE thanked those who have previously contributed and encouraged further support to help maintain Malaysia's independent publishers, vital to a free press and democracy.

They provided the following banking details for donations:

• Name: Engage Citizen Network PLT


• Bank: Maybank


• Account: 5512 7609 7331


• Remark: Clare

RSF condemns Malaysian court ruling against Rewcastle-Brown

On 17 September, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) condemned the Malaysian court ruling against Rewcastle-Brown and the two publishers, characterizing it as part of a broader effort to silence journalists reporting on corruption.

Fiona O’Brien, UK Bureau Director of RSF, commented: “This case should never have made it to court. The accusations of defamation are nonsensical. "

"The underlying agenda appears to be to silence Rewcastle Brown and warn other Malaysian journalists away from reporting on corruption.”

In a separate criminal case, Rewcastle Brown was sentenced in absentia to two years in prison in February 2024. She continues to appeal the criminal charges but has faced significant challenges in defending herself.

The British government has not commented publicly on her case.

RSF also noted that Malaysia, once ranked 73rd in the World Press Freedom Index, has dropped to 107th in 2024, amid rising political instability and a pattern of defamation suits against journalists.