Segamat MP R Yuneswaran said MACC must determine whether the agent is involved in any syndicate.

“Given the seriousness of these allegations, MACC must ensure that those responsible for such criminal activities are also held accountable,” he said in a statement.

Yesterday, MACC chief Azam Baki confirmed that Malaysiakini journalist B Nantha Kumar was arrested on Friday night for allegedly receiving a bribe from a foreign workers’ agent.

In denying that Nantha 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 before it was eventually reduced to RM20,000.

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

Nantha is being investigated for allegedly soliciting and receiving bribes.

Yuneswaran said while no journalist should be prosecuted for the wrong reasons, any misconduct, if proven, should serve as a lesson for others in the industry.

He said ethical journalism is the backbone of a credible and trustworthy media landscape.

“It is crucial for media practitioners to adhere to integrity, transparency and accountability,” he said.