Malaysia withdraws Thailand defamation case after Australian writer issues apology
BANGKOK, Feb 17 — Malaysia has withdrawn a criminal defamation complaint filed in Thailand against an Australian writer after he agreed to apologise and remove disputed articles.
The complaint was filed by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) against Murray Hunter, who lives in Thailand, following the publication of four articles on his Substack blog in April 2024.
The articles allegedly accused the commission of abusing its authority, blocking websites illegally and undermining democracy.
Hunter was arrested in September 2025 at Bangkok airport while attempting to leave the country. According to Thai Lawyers for Human Rights, he was detained overnight before being released on bail, with his passport confiscated.
Criminal defamation in Thailand carries a maximum penalty of two years in prison and a fine of up to 200,000 baht (RM24,960).
However, both parties reached a settlement through mediation last month, with Hunter issuing a public apology and removing the articles.
His lawyer said MCMC subsequently withdrew the criminal defamation case in Thailand as well as a civil case filed in Malaysia.
Free expression group PEN International welcomed the resolution but expressed concern over such legal actions.
Hunter said he plans to write about his experience and hopes other journalists will not face similar situations.
-wilayah.com.my
