Malaysia: Holistic approach vital to address race, religion and royalty
ARTICLE 19 warns that the introduction of penalties may lead to arbitrary restrictions on the freedom of expression.
Malaysia: Countering hate speech
In Malaysia, minority groups, including ethnic and religious minorities, migrants, and LGBTQI+ persons are most often victims of hate speech.
Malaysia: Investigation of women’s march violates freedom of expression
ARTICLE 19 strongly condemns the Malaysian government’s response to the International Women’s Day march for undermining the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.
Journalist Syed Fawad Ali Shah found jailed in Pakistan after going missing in Malaysia
Despite being a registered refugee since 2011 in Malaysia, freelance Pakistani journalist Syed Fawad Ali Shah was secretly deported in August 2022 and is now detained in Pakistan facing several cases related to his reporting on corruption within law enforcement agencies.
Malaysia: Hasten reform of Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act
In 2022, the Centre for Independent Journalism documented 114 cases where Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act was used to investigate netizens and human rights defenders.
Six Southeast Asian journalist organizations collaborate to safeguard press freedom
The regional conference was themed “Strengthening collaboration, defending press freedom in Southeast Asia”.
Malaysia: CIJ urges the new government to uphold freedom of expression
A new report by the Centre for Independent Journalism highlighted that the media continued to experience restrictions and came under attack numerous times in 2022. It urged the new government led by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to commit to upholding the people’s fundamental and constitutional right to information, freedom of expression, speech, association and assembly.
Race-based narratives amplified in run up to Malaysia’s general election
Race and religion-based narratives, and hate speech promoting negative stereotypes around sexual orientation and gender have been documented during the election campaign period in Malaysia.
Malaysia: Civil society groups demand accountability for incitement to violence
A Malaysian actor is accused of instigating sentiments of violence and genocide towards non-Muslims.
Malaysia: Let’s celebrate International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI) 2022 together!
The Centre for Independent Journalism highlights various initiatives in promoting the public right to information in Malaysia.
Malaysia: Criminalisation of blasphemy – 2022 update
ARTICLE 19 updated its briefing paper on how Malaysian authorities have systematically silenced expression they deem to be allegedly blasphemous.
End hate speech and discrimination in Malaysia
‘Hate speech’ is a severe human rights concern in Malaysia. It is often used to silence and intimidate minorities and scapegoat whole groups in society while stifling dissent.
Malaysia: End hateful rhetoric against Rohingya refugees
The escape of 528 detainees raises serious concerns about conditions in immigration detention centres and the ability of Rohingya refugees to effectively raise concerns about these conditions.
Malaysia: Arrest of writer highlights limited protections for free expression on matters of religion
Malaysian writer Uthaya Sankar SB was held overnight and is now being investigated for a remark he posted on social media regarding the Prophet Mohammad.
Malaysia: Government continues to fall short on its human rights protections
The Malaysian government is urged to reverse its systematic abuses and restrictive policies to be a credible and effective champion of human rights at the Human Rights Council.
Malaysian artist Fahmi Reza faces police probe and two charges for satirical posters
ARTICLE 19 and the Centre for Independent Journalism are among the groups which have been pushing for the review and repeal of the Communications and Multimedia Act. Critics said the law has been weaponized to criminalize free speech in Malaysia.