Speaking to Malaysiakini, Azam denied that the journalist was arrested because of the news portal’s recent article about a foreign worker trafficking cartel.

Azam said Nantha had allegedly solicited RM100,000 from the agent in exchange for not publishing two articles about him, with the sum eventually reduced to RM20,000.

The agent lodged a report with MACC, after which the anti-graft agency carried out a “trap-case”, said Azam.

“The agent then met the journalist at a hotel (in Selangor) where the cash was handed over to the journalist.

“MACC officers arrested the journalist on the spot with the RM20,000,” he said.

Azam said Nantha is being investigated for soliciting and receiving bribes under Section 16(a)(a) of the MACC Act 2009.

The Putrajaya magistrates’ court today granted MACC’s request to remand him for four days.

Malaysiakini executive editor RK Anand and managing editor Ng Ling Fong said the news portal will issue a statement once more information becomes available.

“We have not heard Nantha’s version of what transpired. However, we will not compromise on any wrongdoing involving our staff,” they said.

Nantha, who joined Malaysiakini in 2018, has written extensively recently about immigration syndicates.