Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ)

Instead of using repressive laws to silence critics, the Centre for Independent Journalism urged the Malaysian government to “create an enabling environment that promotes critical thinking, healthy debates, transparency and accountability from the State.”

The Centre for Independent Journalism criticized the statement of the Parliament restricting the media outlets which can cover its proceedings. The list of accredited media also excludes online news portals that operate exclusively online.

The Centre for Independent Journalism urged the government to drop all investigations and stop all acts of intimidation and adverse actions against these media outlets.

Groups expressed alarm after Malaysian authorities initiated a probe against Al Jazeera which released a documentary on Malaysia’s treatment of undocumented migrants during the COVID-19 pandemic.

A growing number of journalists, bloggers, activists, lawyers, and other critics of the state have been charged or investigated under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act.

Malaysian civil society groups reminded authorities to stop making threats against the media after the National Security Council directed the police and concerned agencies to take ‘stern action’ against online news outlets that misreport government statements on COVID-19.

Investigators are urged to balance public interest and the right to privacy.

Civil society groups expressed alarm at the continued use of the Sedition Act under the Pakatan Harapan government.