Despite talk of reform, sedition charges and threats against Malaysian media
A sedition investigation against a reporter and threatening remarks by the home minister indicate a backtracking of Malaysia’s commitment to a “strong and vibrant media”.
Malaysian journalist arrested under Sedition Act
“Malaysiakini.com” journalist Susan Loone has been arrested under the Sedition Act for reporting the comments of a Penang Executive Councillor; this is a classic case of “shooting the messenger” says CIJ.
Malaysia: The newspaper that can’t print “Allah”
An appeal for Catholic newspaper “The Herald” to be allowed to print the word Allah in its Malaysian-language edition has been turned down.
In Malaysia and Singapore, “bullying” aimed at deflecting criticism
Two defamation lawsuits were filed recently by the prime ministers of Malaysia and Singapore against online media regarding the publication of articles criticising their roles as leaders in their respective countries.
Malaysia urged to end arrests of transgender women
Prosecutions for “cross-dressing” in Malaysia undermine privacy, free expression rights, says Human Rights Watch.
Malaysian prime minister urged to end efforts to sue leading online paper
Government officials in Malaysia have long resorted to private lawsuits and draconian state laws to restrict freedom of expression and the media, Human Rights Watch said.
Prime minister threatens legal action against Malaysiakini news site
Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak threatened to sue the “Malaysiakini” news site over the publication of user comments relating to his party’s involvement in a political crisis in the state of Terengganu.
Obama’s historic visit to Malaysia an opportunity to speak loudly on rights
US President Barack Obama should use his historic visit to Malaysia to speak directly to concerns about the country’s deteriorating human rights situation, Human Rights Watch said. Obama will be the first US president to visit Malaysia since 1966.
Publishing “still a privilege” in Malaysia, as newspaper licence revoked
Geramm, a media advocacy NGO in Malaysia, recently launched a ‘wear red’ campaign to draw attention to the Home Ministry’s revoking of a publishing permit earlier granted to The Edge Group. The Ministry has not given any reason for the revocation of the licence.
Building interfaith bridges in Malaysia, as online space for free expression comes under attack
ARTICLE 19 has launched a social media project to facilitate discussion about issues surrounding religious intolerance in Malaysia, in partnership with the website Projek Dialog. By supporting the website, ARTICLE 19 hopes to promote greater interfaith and intercultural understanding in the country.
Malaysian newsweekly suspended indefinitely
A Malaysian news weekly has been suspended indefinitely by the Home Ministry, apparently for an article criticising overspending by the country’s first couple.
Malaysian groups welcome apology, drop defamation suit against newspaper
In a joint statement, Malaysian organisations welcomed an apology by the “New Straits Times” paper over a 2012 article entitled “Plot to destabilize govt”, which had led to the launch of a defamation suit against the publisher and author of the article.
Another court sides with Malaysian government against political cartoonist
A Malaysian court has rejected an appeal by political cartoonist Zunar against a ruling that his September 2010 arrest and the seizure of all the copies of a collection of his cartoons were carried out legally under the Sedition Act.
Malaysian court rejects government appeal against print version of news website
A Kuala Lumpur court has rejected an appeal by the government and interior ministry against a court ruling in favour of allowing the Malaysiakini news website to publish a print version.
Malaysia’s backsliding on rights in UN spotlight
In the weeks before the UN review, Malaysia passed laws permitting detention without trial, dragged critics into court for staging protests and showing films, and continued its dubious prosecution of the opposition leader.
Rights defender penalised for screening Sri Lankan documentary in Malaysia
A number of civil society groups, trade unions and organisations have expressed shock at the charging of Malaysian human rights defender Lena Hendry for being involved in the screening of a Sri Lankan documentary.