IN the realm of investigative journalism, few figures are as closely associated with exposing high-level corruption as Clare Rewcastle Brown.
A British journalist with roots in Sarawak, she became internationally recognized for her fearless reporting on Malaysia's 1MDB scandal before most paid attention and at a time when Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak’s administration was in full control and Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was imprisoned.
She revealed vast layers of corruption within the country's political and financial systems.
Her work, largely published through her independent platform, Sarawak Report, not only highlighted the risks journalists face when challenging power but also spurred global investigations.
Despite her achievements and what is recognised by many as her contributions to Malaysia, Rewcastle Brown has not been without challenges.
In recent years, she faced legal action in Malaysia, culminating in a defamation case brought by the Terengganu Sultan’s wife.
The courts ordered her to pay RM435,000, a burden she describes as both humbling and unsettling, given the support from ordinary Malaysians who contributed to cover these costs.
Now, as Malaysia navigates new political landscapes and environmental concerns, Rewcastle Brown reflects on her career, the continued threats to media freedom, and the impact of her work on a country she has long reported on from afar.
Clare Rewcastle speaks to Jason Santos and Ian McIntyre in an exclusive three-part interview:
Q: What is the first thing you would like to share with us today?
Clare: One thing I’d love to share is my deep gratitude to so many people in Malaysia who contributed to the costs of my court case.
There’s been such generosity, with both large donations and small contributions alike, from people who wanted to help ensure my co-defendants and I didn’t bear the entire financial burden. It’s very humbling.
Q: That’s heartening to hear. So, there was quite a bit of support for you in Malaysia?
Clare: Yes, scores of people came forward during a fundraiser we ran over several months, as this case dragged on. As of today, we’ve met the full amount awarded to the Terengganu Sultan’s wife by the courts - RM435,000. Most of the money was provided by ordinary Malaysian citizens on my behalf.
I’m genuinely saddened that Malaysian people felt the need to pay this amount. I’m immensely grateful for their support, but it’s unfortunate this burden was placed on ordinary people.
Q: Moving on, Malaysia has introduced whistleblower protections to prevent another scandal like 1MDB. Do you think your prosecution impacts these efforts?
Clare: There’s certainly a problem with defamation laws. Many countries struggle with this issue - wealthy individuals use defamation to silence the media.
It stifles major publications from reporting on public interest issues, particularly corruption at high levels.
For years, I was nearly a lone voice reporting on 1MDB, with intense opposition to everything I revealed. The people involved in 1MDB wielded powerful tools, including defamation laws, to suppress any mention of their activities.
Q: Yes, you faced substantial challenges. What was it like?
Clare: Absolutely. I had 24-hour surveillance, and my communications were under constant threat of hacking. Malaysian authorities at the time even attempted to use an Interpol red notice to have me arrested.
It’s easy to forget now, but in the early days, I was constantly under attack.
Q: Clare, we’ve observed the challenges you’ve faced over the years. Do you still pay attention to Malaysia, especially given your roots in Sarawak?
Clare: Absolutely, I still follow issues in Malaysia. Initially, I aimed to create space for local media, like The Vibes and other dedicated journalists, to take the lead. Being based abroad, I can’t return due to a prison sentence awaiting me in Malaysia.
But Malaysian journalists are now in a better position to report freely, which wasn’t the case during the 1MDB scandal.
Q: Are there still stories in Sarawak that draw your attention?
Clare: Yes, especially regarding the rights of indigenous communities and the preservation of Sarawak’s rainforest, one of the world’s richest environmental treasures.
Sarawak’s biodiversity has global significance. Yet, rather than respecting it, some see it merely for its timber value. Those in power need to recognise its ecological importance.
Q: What’s your view on Sarawak’s current administration and its environmental stance?
Clare: I want to believe that the current leaders have better intentions, and I think they seem to be doing the right things for the people of Sarawak, but I’m cautious. They regularly release statements about conservation efforts, but many forces are still working against these goals.
Real change requires curbing illegal logging and respecting genuine environmental criticism. I will remain cautiously optimistic and keep an eye on that land I love.
Q: With Malaysia chairing ASEAN this year and Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as Prime Minister, do you see the country playing a larger role in the region?
Clare: Malaysia’s influence will likely be ceremonial. I think the country should align with other ASEAN nations to stand firm against external economic exploitation which pressures its resources, especially oil and logging.
Q: Indonesia is developing Nusantara in Borneo. Do you see this development benefiting Sabah and Sarawak?
Clare: Borneo’s economic potential should prioritise its communities’ welfare over resource extraction.
Nusantara poses environmental risks and may encourage further exploitation in Sarawak, including plans to dam natural rivers to supply electricity to Indonesia, rather than meeting local needs.
Borneo’s environment is vital to our climate’s stability - it’s one of the planet’s “lungs,” and its degradation directly fuels global climate challenges.
But Borneo must be allowed to evolve her economy and create wealth for her people.
So the cost for this “maintenance” should be borne globally, and mainly by the industrial nations. It’s time to think outside the box and Sarawak and Sabah can lead.
It is time to think outside the box, and Sabah and Sarawak can lead. - November 11, 2024
