UK journalist says Malaysia sentence is 'political revenge'

UK journalist Clare Rewcastle Brown believes her defamation sentence in Malaysia is an act of “political revenge” linked to her investigation of the 1MDB corruption scandal.

UK journalist Clare Rewcastle Brown claims her defamation conviction is linked to her work on the 1MDB corruption scandal.

Journalist Clare Rewcastle Brown has accused Malaysia of pursuing “political vengeance” against her due to her investigative reporting, following her conviction in absentia by a court and subsequent two-year prison sentence. Brown, 64, is appealing the ruling, which found her guilty of criminal defamation of a Malaysian royal related to her book on the 1MDB scandal.

She alleges that the swift and unnotified verdict stems from her exposure of the multibillion-dollar corruption case involving former Prime Minister Najib Razak. Brown contends that powerful figures in Malaysia seek retaliation for her role in exposing corruption at the highest levels, particularly targeting Najib’s involvement in the scandal. The Committee to Protect Journalists has condemned the ruling, calling it “outrageous” and urging Malaysia to revoke the sentence, emphasizing its chilling effect on investigative journalism and press freedom.

Malaysia boasts the world’s sole rotating constitutional monarchy, where the federal head of state changes every five years, playing a predominantly ceremonial role while wielding significant cultural and political influence.

Terengganu, an oil-rich coastal state, is home to one of Malaysia’s nine royal families, led by a Sultan and his wife, known as a Sultanah.

Sultanah Nur Zahirah of Terengganu, who served as Malaysia’s Queen from 2006-2011, has initiated two defamation cases against Ms. Rewcastle Brown for allegedly suggesting her involvement in corrupt practices associated with 1MDB.

The initial civil case in Kuala Lumpur was dismissed by the High Court in October 2022, but it was overturned on appeal and is still undergoing legal proceedings. The second case, filed in her local magistrate’s court, resulted in Sultanah Nur Zahirah’s favor.

Ms. Rewcastle Brown acknowledged a misidentification error in her book, corrected in 2018, and issued an apology. However, her legal team contends that the error does not constitute defamation or criminal libel.

“I am concerned that this case may have been manipulated, though I do not attribute blame to the Sultanah. Her frustration is understandable,” Ms. Rewcastle Brown informed the BBC.

This week, Malaysia’s pardons board reduced the former leader’s 12-year prison term by half, a decision criticized by James Chin, a professor of Asian Studies at the University of Tasmania, who believes it signals that leaders in Southeast Asia can act without consequence.

The United Malays National Organisation (UMNO), led by Najib, who formerly helmed the ruling coalition in Malaysia, has been advocating for a royal pardon following the exhaustion of other legal options.

Clare Rewcastle Brown expressed skepticism regarding the unrelated nature of Najib’s reduced sentence and her subsequent defamation conviction, indicating a probable connection to the 1MDB case. She highlighted her symbolic status among those resentful of Najib’s conviction. Speculation aside, she believes the events are likely intertwined with the 1MDB affair.

Najib’s legal team is reportedly seeking the removal of the Netflix documentary “Man On The Run” for alleged contemptuous content. Furthermore, Najib is reportedly contemplating legal action against former Malaysian attorney-general Tommy Thomas and Clare Rewcastle Brown for their statements in the documentary. Netflix declined to comment on the situation.

Clare Rewcastle Brown expresses concerns that the recent ruling by the Terengganu magistrates court could hinder her ability to travel without restrictions. Malaysian authorities have attempted twice to secure an Interpol Red Notice for Rewcastle Brown regarding her coverage of the 1MDB scandal, but both requests were denied by Interpol. Whether Malaysian officials will pursue another Interpol Red Notice remains uncertain, as the Kuala Terengganu Magistrates’ Court has not responded to inquiries from the BBC.

Seeking support from the UK government and organizations like the CPJ and Index on Censorship, Rewcastle Brown, who was born in Sarawak, is determined to continue her fight against corruption. She is married to Andrew Brown, a former journalist and media strategist, and together they have two adult sons. In 2010, she established the Sarawak Report, gaining recognition as an investigative journalist and environmental advocate dedicated to exposing corruption in the palm oil industry.

Her ultimate aspiration is to revisit Malaysia without the fear of legal repercussions. Despite the challenges, she remains resolute in her commitment to journalism and the importance of safeguarding journalists’ rights to disseminate information in the public interest.

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