Malaysia

Freedom of expression in Malaysia continues to deteriorate, with human rights defenders, journalists and protestors targeted with criminal sanctions for exercising their rights. The government has yet to ratify the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and many of the country’s laws fall short of international standards on free expression. Laws such as the Penal Code and Sedition Act, as well as increasingly the Communications and Multimedia Act, are used against human rights defenders and media organisations for comments online and offline which are critical of the government and address corruption.

ARTICLE 19’s work in Malaysia includes advocating for the reform of laws which restrict free expression, working to improve religious tolerance and combat hate speech, and documenting violations of freedom of expression in Malaysia.  We work to address three inter-related issues: the use of hate speech and discriminatory language on social media targeting religious and ethnic minorities; moves by the government to limit on- and off-line speech through criminal defamation and other legal action; and the capacity deficit of government institutions mandated to protect freedom of expression.

Malaysia: Establishment of the Media Council must not violate media freedom
23.02.2024 3 min read

Malaysia: Establishment of the Media Council must not violate media freedom

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Malaysia: Uphold international standards in tabling Right to Information Bill
29.01.2024 2 min read

Malaysia: Uphold international standards in tabling Right to Information Bill

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Malaysia: Drop charges against Mentega Terbang filmmakers
17.01.2024 8 min read

Malaysia: Drop charges against Mentega Terbang filmmakers

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Malaysia: International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI)
07.12.2023 1 min read

Malaysia: International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI)

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Malaysia: Slow progress on reforms and ongoing restrictions on freedoms
30.11.2023 2 min read

Malaysia: Slow progress on reforms and ongoing restrictions on freedoms

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Malaysia: Government must halt harassment of land rights defenders
25.10.2023 3 min read

Malaysia: Government must halt harassment of land rights defenders

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Malaysia: Solidarity with Kean Wong
17.10.2023 4 min read

Malaysia: Solidarity with Kean Wong

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Malaysia: Drop Charges against activist Wong Yan Ke
10.10.2023 2 min read

Malaysia: Drop Charges against activist Wong Yan Ke

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Malaysia: Reinstating the ban on ‘Gay is Okay’ is suppression of freedom of expression
26.09.2023 3 min read

Malaysia: Reinstating the ban on ‘Gay is Okay’ is suppression of freedom of expression

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