Authorities have launched a systematic campaign to silence critical or dissenting voices, including through the enactment of the Emergency (Essential Powers) (No.2) Ordinance concerning “fake news” and aggressive application of existing repressive laws. We call on authorities to cease all baseless investigations that threaten freedom of expression in Malaysia and repeal or substantially amend problematic laws in line with Malaysia’s international human rights obligations.
Malaysia: Drop sedition charges against opposition party member and repeal the draconian Sedition Act
Iswardy Morni, a Parti Keadilan Rakyat member, has been charged under Section 4(1)(a) of the Sedition Act for statements made on Facebook deemed to be seditious and insulting towards the King. This marks the first known use of the Sedition Act in 2021. The law is incompatible with international human rights law and has frequently been used to target activists, journalists, and others expressing critical opinions. On 30 May 2021, Iswardy was arrested and remanded for two days as police launched an
Apa Yang Kerajaan Gagal Belajar Dalam Setahun’ (What the Failed Government Learned in One Year)
Malaysia: End harassment of civil society
Malaysian authorities must stop harassing peaceful protesters, human rights defenders, and activists, said ARTICLE 19. The police have initiated investigations into ten individuals under Section 9(5) of the Peaceful Assembly Act in relation to their peaceful protest activities in recent weeks. Additionally, two artists have been investigated for their online activism. The Malaysian government should reform the Peaceful Assembly Act to bring it into compliance with international human rights law and take steps to ensure that all Malaysians enjoy the rights to freedom of expression and assembly in practice.
“New investigations are being opened against activists and artists at a shocking pace,” said Matthew Bugher, ARTICLE 19’s Head of Asia Programme. “This latest wave of cases demonstrates the authorities’ determination to control public discourse and suffocate dissent.”
Two Malaysian artists face police probe for online commentary and artwork globalvoices.org - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from globalvoices.org Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Police today summoned political cartoonist Zulkiflee Anwar Haque (known as Zunar) to the Padang Terap district police headquarters in Kedah on 2 May 2021 in relation to a cartoon he published on his Facebook page in January 2021.