Brickfields police chief Hoo Chang Hook said the 37-year-old man was arrested at a flat in Cheras at 2am.

“The Kuala Lumpur magistrates’ court has allowed an application to remand the suspect for three days until Nov 28,” he said in a statement today, adding that the suspect was unemployed, and the attack had been personally motivated.

Haresh, a co-founder of the Twentytwo13 news website, was reportedly assaulted by two men in Bangsar yesterday afternoon.

Hoo said yesterday that police received a report from Haresh at 4pm on the attack.

He said the case was being investigated under Section 323 of the Penal Code for voluntarily causing hurt.

Haresh, who reportedly suffered injuries to his face, hands and body, spent 25 years reporting on governance and accountability, co-founding Twentytwo13 with Pearl Lee.

His recent work includes investigative reporting on Malaysian sport, particularly governance issues and the national football team’s naturalisation scandal.

The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) today issued a statement condemning the attack and “any form of violence, intimidation or threats against anyone, including journalists who play an important role in the national sports ecosystem”.

In a post published on the Harimau Malaya Facebook page, FAM called for a thorough investigation into the matter to identify those responsible and “ensure that justice is upheld”.

“FAM will continue working closely with media practitioners and ensure a space of safety, professionalism and mutual respect for everyone in the national sports industry.

“FAM prays for Haresh’s good health and continued strength following this incident,” the association said.